90% of children face being obese by 2050 - it's time to act

Feb 26 2009

1) Limit screen time

It can really help if you set a limit on how long your children can sit still in front of the TV or computer. One or two hours is a generous amount of time, depending on their age. Once screen time is up you need to hit the off switch. so they’re forced to play with other toys or go outside.

2) Try to go feet first

If you always ferry your kids to school or drive to activities at the weekend, think about leaving the car at home. As long as it’s not too far, walking or cycling with the kids will benefit you both – and save money too.

3) Join the club

Parents often assume their kids must be shattered after a long school day - forgetting that they’re actually sitting down for most of the time!Rather than allowing them to flop in front of the telly, encourage them to relax after school by joining a club.

4) Get up after eating

Don’t let your kids rest for too long after meals – however tempted they might be! Half an hour to settle stomachs is fine then it’s best to get them up and about again. Go for a family walk and you can burn off any excess calories too.

5) Make family time

Families that are active together tend to be both healthier and closer. Try specifying one day at the weekend to be a family fun day when you all go on a bike ride, visit a local park, or explore a new area.

How Change4Life can change your life > > >

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To help parents identify ways to make family life healthier, more than 11 million copies of the questionnaire, How Are The Kids? are being distributed throughout the country.

Here we explain why you should get your hands on a copy…

What is it? A simple questionnaire that will help you get the right advice for your family.

The questions are designed to give you a picture of a typical day in your child’s life, as far as eating and activity goes. For example, ‘What did you have for breakfast today? or ‘What did your kids do at playtime?’

What happens after I fill it in? Send your answers freepost back to Change4Life and you’ll receive a plan of action specially tailored to your family needs, full of handy hints to get your kids being more active and eating healthier food. They’re really easy to follow and are designed to fit into busy lives.

Where can I get mine? Millions of copies are being sent out to homes, schools, pharmacies, GP surgeries and post offices. You can also complete the survey online.

To find out more search Change4Life online or call the helpline on: 0300 123 4567

Click here to view the latest Change4Life video