Active
Children, Active Families brochure — Hispanic
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Parent Brochure
Active Kids, Healthy Families Important Information for Your Child’s Health
Inactive kids? Physical activity is more important than you think
You've probably noticed that kids today live very inactive lifestyles. When
they are not watching television, they spend their time on the computer or
playing video games. This means less time participating in physical activity.
The Consequences?
There are many. A lack of physical activity can seriously damage your child's
health. It's been proven that many children who spend more than four hours a day
watching television or in front of the computer have more body fat, are at a
higher risk to be overweight and become obese. This puts them at high risk for
diabetes and heart problems—both very serious illnesses!
What can you do?
Prepare them! An active child is a physically and emotionally healthier
child.
Aside from being central to good health, physical activity can have a
positive impact on your child's social and emotional development. Many active
children are more confident and less prone to depression and anxiety. In many
cases, they even do better in other areas, like school. They also have a higher
self-esteem, and are less likely to get involved in negative behaviors like
smoking, drinking, or drugs. Regular involvement in physical activity will teach
your kids valuable life skills.
Help them! Advice so your children can be active.
Help your children find physical activites like soccer, basketball, karate,
bicycling, or family hikes. All these activities are good examples of activities
that your child can do to stay healthy. Remember, not all children like the same
things. Help them participate in various physical activities. That way, it will
be easier for them to find physical activities that they like and want to do.
Motivate them! Suggestions to maintain your kids active
To develop healthy lifestyles and enjoy all the benefits of physical
activity, doctors recommend an hour of physical activity per day. Create a
balance—decrease time spent watching television and playing video games, and
increase time engaged in physical activity. Motivate them to stay active by
supporting them in the activities they like. Be their best example and be active
with them. Physical activity should not be a chore, but instead it could be a
form of family entertainment.
Start now! Resources for Parents
Ask your child’s school, your church, or other community organizations about
the opportunities that exist so that your children can engage in physical
activities. Many places have coaches that speak Spanish, are not too expensive,
or offer scholarships.
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For more information go to www.VERBparents.com/espanol.
Inactive children is a serious problem. Make sure your family is active!
This information is made possible by VERB, a campaign created by the United
Status Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
Things you should know
- The number of overweight kids has doubled since 1980. (Deckelbaum,
Williams, Childhood Obesity, Obes Res 2001).
- More than 30% of Hispanics kids are overweight, and the amount keeps
increasing (The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, 1998).
- In the last 10 years the number of Hispanic kids who have type 2 diabetes
has tripled. (For more information about this problem visit www.cdc.gov/diabetes/)
(Statement on Diabetes, 1999 Congressional Hispanic Caucus Hearing).
- Do you know what are the leading causes of deaths per year in the United
States? Cancer associated with the use of tobacco, and heart diseases
associated with obesity and inactivity (U.S. National Center for Health
Statistics, National Vital Statistics Report, vol. 51, no. 5, March 14, 2003).
NOTE: Heart disease has surpassed cancer (smoking related).
- Overweight and inactive lifestyles can considerably reduce life
expectancy. (JAMA. 2003;289:187-193).
- Doctors recommend one hour of physical activity every day. (Corbin et al.,
1998).
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* Links to non-Federal organizations are provided
solely as a service to our users. Links do not constitute an endorsement of any
organization by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The
CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages
found at these links.
Page last reviewed: August 1, 2007
Page last modified: August 1, 2007
Content source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health |