Eating Habits Start Early - Parents must be Good Role Models for Healthy Kids
As National Nutrition Month draws to a close, leading Pediatrician Dr. William Lawrence Jr. of
Sixty Second Parent encouraged parents to continue developing healthy living practices with
their children throughout the year.
(PRWEB) March 26, 2010 -- As National Nutrition Month draws to a close, leading Pediatrician Dr. William
Lawrence Jr. of Sixty Second Parent encouraged parents to continue developing healthy living practices with their
children throughout the year.
Dr. Lawrence’s concern about the eating habits of children are reflected in the figures released by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing the doubling of childhood obesity rates in preschool children
over the past 30 years, which signifies the severity of the issue.
“March shouldn’t be the only month of the year when people watch what they eat and what they feed their
children,” Dr. Lawrence said.
“As parents we need to teach our children the importance of eating a healthy balanced diet. If we can get them to
start healthy eating practices when they are young, they are more likely to continue these habits through
adulthood, and as a consequence, avoid the associated health problems,” he said.
Healthy eating and lifestyle changes don’t need to happen all at once. Dr. Lawrence suggests making one small
change at a time, for example:
o Take a look through your pantry and refrigerator and get rid of those foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar.
Replace them with more nutritious options.
o Exercise together as a family by going to the park, finding safe bikeways, or playing games in the backyard
like dodge ball, tag and sack races.
o Limit the time children spend in front of the TV or computer, and don’t allow snacks during TV time.
“Children learn through observation, so it’s important that parents maintain a healthy lifestyle and are good role
models to their children,” Dr Lawrence said.
National Nutrition Mont