September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in our country. Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle Care wants to share some information about this issue with our patients and their families. Quite simply, carrying excess weight increases the number and severity of foot problems a person will experience. Studies show obese children are more likely to become obese adults. In addition, obesity can contribute to many other serious medical issues, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and mental health disorders.

Here are three factors that raise the risk of obesity in children and how to fight them.

Physical inactivity--Too many children and teens are living a sedentary lifestyle. Hours spent on computers, phones, video gaming systems, and notebooks take away opportunities for physical activities. The current health emergency has also reduced the number of community fitness outlets like the town and school pools and organized sports. What to do:

• Limit the number of hours of screen time your child is allowed

• Plan family time doing physical activities like biking, hiking or rollerblading

• Engage in active chores such as raking leaves, gardening, and collecting trash along the road together

• If your child complains of foot pain, make an appointment at our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 so our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, can examine his or her feet and diagnose any podiatric problems.

Easy access to poor food choices--Unfortunately, nutritiously empty foods are plentiful and cheap! And many marketing ploys mislead children into believing certain foods are “good for you,” when they’re not. What to do:

• Educate your child on basic nutrition

• Use a trip to the grocery store as a label-reading opportunity and help them spot foods high in sugars and fats

• Switch out sugary sodas and sports drinks for flavored seltzers and waters

• Challenge your child to make some healthy swaps in their daily menus (i.e., low-fat milk for whole fat, nuts for potato chips, etc.)

Inadequate amounts of sleep—lack of sleep can also lead to weight gain. What to do:

• Help your child develop a wind-down routine: at least ½ hour before bed, begin to prepare for sleep by brushing teeth, settling into bed, reading, praying, or doing some other quiet activity before turning off the lights

• Don’t allow children to take screens to bed—studies show the light from these devices disrupts sleep

• Avoid caffeinated beverages in the evening