Little Steps, Big Health

Looking to help join the movement? There are many ways that you can help through volunteering, educating others, and even just sharing information online through social media! Feel free to repost some of the other posts from our blog, and # us at #LittleStepsBigHealth ! Here are some other materials that we like to share, that you can help share as well : Informational Posters : Informational Videos :

Community  Communities and organizations play a big role in shaping the lives of the children growing up in them. There are many things that these groups can do to help our health initiative. These are also important tools that parents can learn about to help their children lead healthier lives and make healthier overall choices.  Smaller communities can work together to make a change by promoting healthier lifestyles, programs, and policies. Some examples might include groups of friends or families meeting up once a week to go for a walk, play at the park, or engage in some sort of physical activity for the week.  Schools Schools play a crucial role in teaching children the importance of physical activity and healthy eating habits. Parents can partner with schools to advocate for improved curriculum that emphasizes nutrition education and the benefits of staying active. Schools can also integrate more movement throughout the day by incorporating short physical activity b...

The Power of Physical Education: How Parents and Schools Can Shape Active Futures for Children Physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy childhood, but with the rise of sedentary lifestyles and screen time, ensuring children stay active is more critical than ever. Both parents and schools play a vital role in introducing and fostering physical education, which not only improves physical health but also enhances mental well-being, social skills, and academic performance. By working together, families and educational institutions can create environments that prioritize movement and set children up for a lifetime of active living. The Role of Parents in Encouraging Physical Activity Parents are instrumental in shaping their children’s attitudes toward exercise and physical activity. They serve as role models, advocates, and facilitators. Some ways parents can encourage an active lifestyle include: Making movement a family affair: Family hikes, bike rides, or trips to the park creat...

The Role of Parents in Shaping Dietary Habits From the earliest stages of life, parents make critical decisions about their children’s nutrition. Breastfeeding versus formula feeding, the timing of introducing solid foods, and the types of first foods offered can all influence a child’s taste preferences and risk of obesity. As children grow, parents continue to affect their food environment by: Purchasing and preparing meals: Parents decide which foods are stocked in the pantry and fridge, setting the stage for their children’s daily choices. Modeling eating behaviors: Children often mimic their parents’ eating habits, so parents who prioritize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are more likely to raise children who enjoy these foods. Setting mealtime routines: Structured family meals encourage mindful eating and reduce the likelihood of overeating. Empowering Parents to Make a Difference Parents don’t have to be perfect to make a positive impact on their children’s health. Small...

What is Childhood Obesity?  Childhood obesity is a medical condition in which a child is above a healthy weight for their age, height, and sex. Medically it is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex in children 2 years and older.  Generally it can be caused by many factors, which can include genetics, family and home environments, social determinants of health, cultural factors, lifestyle factors and choices, and other health conditions.  Why should we care?  Childhood obesity is an ongoing and growing issue, according to the CDC, in the U.S., about 1 in 5 children and adolescents have obesity. Also according to the CDC, " From 2017 to March 2020, the prevalence of obesity among U.S. children and adolescents was 19.7%1. This means that approximately 14.7 million U.S. youths aged 2–19 years have obesity. "  Obesity is also known to affect some groups more than others, including adolescents, Hispanic and non-Hispa...