FITFIT BEST PRACTICES FOR A FIT FAMILYFIT DRS. LINDSAY WRIGHT
& AMANDA WILLIAMS DEPARTMENT OF CHILD & FAMILY STUDIES,
USM
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INTRODUCTION AND REFLECTION ACTIVITY Who we are Agenda overview
Favorite food activity
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CHILD OBESITY NATIONALLY Nationally, child obesity is finally
beginning to decline Ages 2 to 5 5% in 1980 7% in 1994 10% in 2000
14% in 2004 8.4% in 2013 Ages 6 to 11 7% between 1976-1980 15%
between 1999-2002 20% between 2007-2008 17.7% between
2011-2012
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CHILD OBESITY IN MISSISSIPPI Mississippi has the highest rate
of childhood obesity in the nation Nearly half of Mississippi
children are overweight or obese Children as young as eight years
old are being treated for Type II diabetes and high cholesterol Our
children will be sicker, and die younger, than their parents
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OBESITY PREVALENCE (2013)
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RISKS FOR OBESE CHILDREN Cardiovascular disease About 70% of
overweight children ages 5-17 have at least one cardiac risk factor
Diabetes Type II diabetes is becoming more frequent in children
Asthma Overweight children have a higher risk of asthma Liver and
gallbladder disease Excess fat in the blood overworks the liver and
gallbladder Sleep disorders Restlessness and sleep apnea are more
common in overweight children
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RISKS FOR OBESE CHILDREN CONTINUED Shortness of breath during
play Overweight children run out of breath more quickly and may
find it difficult to keep up Skin disorders Decreases in school
achievement Psychological effects Negative self-concept, teasing by
peers, loneliness and social isolation Eating disorders Children
who are overweight are more likely to suffer from eating disorders
in adolescence and adulthood
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RISK FACTORS FOR OBESITY Obese children are more likely to be
obese teens, who are then more likely to be obese adults, and obese
adults are more likely to have obese children Food environment
Misleading advertising Portion sizes Healthy food is more expensive
High fat and high calorie foods Sugar sweetened beverages Schedules
Convenience foods Over reliance on fast foods Less time for family
meals
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RISK FACTORS FOR OBESITY CONTINUED Technological advances
Television Video games Internet access Remote controls Etc.
Neighborhoods Inadequate sidewalks Heavy traffic Dangerous
neighborhoods Physical education PE classes shorter and less
frequent Recess eliminated or shortened Family feeding practices
Clean plate club Adult role models
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ADDRESSING CHILDHOOD OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY Adults create the
food environment for children Children learn by watching adults Two
pronged approach: Educate children Educate adults
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YOUNG CHILDRENS EATING HABITS Young childrens diet is not
always ideal Iron deficiency anemia Too high in fat and sugar Not
enough fruits and vegetables Preschoolers can be picky Appetite
decreases Asserting independence Compulsive about food routines
Food jags
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STRESS-FREE FEEDING Children and adults both have jobs The
parents jobs (the three Ps) Plan nutritious meals and snacks
Prepare and put food on the table Provide patience The childs jobs
(the three Cs) Choose whether to eat Choose what to eat from the
choices Choose how much to eat
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HANDLING FEEDING STRUGGLES Offer healthy meals and snacks Offer
food at regular intervals Be patient with rigid food rules Dont use
sweets are rewards Avoid power struggles Let children decide
whether, what, and how much to eat Encourage children to stop
eating when full
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EDUCATING CHILDREN Community education works! (Were all here
arent we!) Healthy (and unhealthy) habits form early Children as
young as preschool can learn about healthy eating and physical
activity Young children need to learn in developmentally
appropriate ways Children can influence adults behavior
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THE FAMILY MEAL
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What is the magic number? Parents are health role models and
gatekeepers for their children Decline in family meals Time
constraints Too many responsibilities Fatigue Multitasking
meals
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BENEFITS OF A FAMILY MEAL Offer healthy meal options, model
healthy eating, AND build relationships in a positive home food
environment Connect with your kids Learn about their day, friends,
thoughts, etc. Really cool conversations The most significant
influence on child and teen eating habits is the family meal
Starting early matters Benefits extend into young adulthood
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RECLAIMING THE FAMILY MEAL Family _______ night Get kids
involved in meal prep Additional mess? More time? Mac and cheese
again? ChooseMyPlate can help!
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BUILD YOUR PLATE ACTIVITY What did you have for dinner last
night? Draw my plate and see how your meal fits If it didnt fit,
what changes can you make?
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TIPS TO BE AN ACTIVE FAMILY 1.Set specific activity times
2.Plan ahead and track your progress 3.Include work around the
house 4.Use what is available 5.Build new skills 6.Plan for all
weather conditions 7.Turn OFF the TV 8.Start small 9.Include other
families 10.Use physical activity as reward when its time to
celebrate!
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A NOTE ON MINDFULNESS Paying attention on purpose, in the
present moment, and nonjudgmentally Being where you are (you living
life) vs. trying to get somewhere else (life living you) Physical
Injury or disease Chronic fatigue, illness, or pain HIV/AIDS
Insomnia Smoking And many more Mental Addiction Eating disorders
Depression Developmental issues Suicide/self-harm Personality
disorders ADHD, aggression, anxiety Breathing Sitting meditation
Physical awareness Soles of the Feet Experiential awareness
Raisins
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THINGS TO DO IN HATTIESBURG/SURROUNDING AREA TO GET OUTSIDE, BE
ACTIVE, AND EAT WELL Longleaf Trace (free!) Bowling Roller rink
Hattiesburg zoo Downtown art walks Kamper Park Paul B. Johnson
State Park Ship Island Excursions Kids Rule! Family Fun Center USM
Payne Center
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RESOURCES FROM PRESENTATION usmfamilyfitday.weebly.com/