HHS HealthBeat (January 17, 2008)

We Can! After the holidays

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Resolved to improve your health for the new year?This is a good time to try new family activities to help kids maintain a healthy weight.   The National Institutes of Health's We Can! program offers practical advice on healthy eating, physical activity, and reduced screen time.

We Can!, which stands for Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition, gives families tips and tools for kids ages 8 through 12.  At the NIH, obesity education coordinator Karen Donato gives one example:

``If you have a soup and a salad prior to your main meal, you’re more apt to be full. If you have vegetables instead of a second helping of mashed potatoes and gravy, you’re going to have fewer calories.’’ (10 seconds)

The program  is being used in settings from schools to homes. Learn more at hhs.gov or call toll-free at 866-35-WE CAN.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: January, 16 2008