Happy Child Health Day

Learn about the holiday coming up Monday, October 2nd, and about how we can all come together to improve the lives of children across the country

By: Maria Aguila

​On National Child Health Day, we celebrate the commitment of  working to enhance the lives of children and families around the world. Every child and family is deserving of a chance to live the best life they can live. National Child Health Day is a United States Federal Observance Day held each year on the first Monday in October. This day serves its purpose of spreading awareness of how one can protect and develop a child’s health. Numerous health professionals and organizations participate in this special day through different activities such as how the HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) provides educational resources for parents, children, and schools in regards to issues such as healthy choices and a fit lifestyle. ​

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Photo by: CitiTrends Data Bank

​Former president Barack Obama believes that today’s youth will shape our nation’s story - and CBOB does too. President Obama’s proclamation on September 29, 2016 spoke on how his administration’s top priority was to improve children’s health throughout his 8-year term. Communities gathered together and worked as a team to reduce childhood obesity by giving available access to those in need of affordable and nutritious food as well as encouraging physical activity to become an early habit throughout daily life.

Unfortunately, obesity across the U.S. in children is rapidly increasing. Children with a body mass index equal to/higher than 95 percent of their peers are said to be obese. Children who are obese face many different serious health risks such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These physical health issues aren’t the only risks though, children fighting obesity may also become depressed and develop low self-esteem.

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Many things can cause obesity such as family history, psychological factors, and lifestyle. A diet with high levels or fat or sugar, and minimal nutrients assist in gaining weight rapidly. Common foods are fast food such as McDonald’s, as well as candy and soda. Did you know that more than half of children in the U.S. drink 24 ounces of soda at minimum per day? Not enough exercise or activity is another leading cause of obesity as well as feeling stressed or depressed.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent AND combat obesity. Changing eating habits is essential in order to be and feel healthy, limiting sweets, fast foods and soft drinks is a must. Physical activity is also a must. Most children don’t like exercising so playing games, such as tag, instead is a good alternative. Television and social media entertainment should also be limited; the time spent during these activities could be spent performing physical activities.

Here are some tips on how to stay healthy:

1. Exercise
2. Healthy food choices - Vegetables, Fruits, Lean meat, Whole grains
3. Drink water
4. Sleep 7-9 hours

At CBOB, we stand for bettering the lives of our children. That is why we hold a mobile health clinic where health care is provided to children. We aim to teach children about proper nutrition and health habits so that they can live the best life they can and achieve all the success in the world. Let’s all make a difference in a child’s life, and in our own life, by promoting healthy habits today!

Sources:
www.childtrends.org/indicators/overweight-children-and-youth/
​www.healthline.com/health/weight-loss/weight-problems-in-children#nutrition4