Эксперты призывают родителей вести пример для борьбы с детским ожирением

September marks National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, bringing focus to youth health as approximately one in five children and adolescents in the United States are affected by obesity. Health experts emphasize that a child’s wellness involves more than just numbers on a scale. Factors such as genetics, daily environment, nutrition, physical activity, sleep and screen time all contribute to overall growth and health. According to health recommendations, children need at least one hour of physical activity per day. Increased time spent on screens often takes away from time that could otherwise be spent exercising or engaging with friends. Dr. Angela Seabright, with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, noted that parents play a central role in establishing daily health behaviors for their children. “The best thing parents can do is lead by example,” Seabright said. She suggested eating balanced meals together without phone distractions and participating in physical activities as a family to promote health benefits and bonding time. Screen time also displaces sleep, particularly among older children and teenagers who stay up late using electronic devices. To establish a healthy routine, Seabright advises removing screen time for at least one hour before bed, maintaining a consistent bedtime and waking up at the same time every day. Additional health tips and wellness resources are available through A Healthier Michigan.