Healthy Children, Healthy Schools!

We all know that Childhood Obesity is a growing problem in todays youth.  Over sized portions, packaging/advertising, lack of exercise, video games, computers, health risks........what our children face today is very different from when we were growing up.  Wellness Policies are becoming a part of most schools and we need to understand why.

Wisconsin PTA and the Directors of the "NEW Kids" program is proud to present the following information for your local units, families or schools to use in helping families understand this epidemic. 

This program is available in power point format complete with slides, outline, handouts and slide notes.  Please take the time to view this wonderful program in PDF and see what it is all about. 

To view an outline of this program click here

To view the programs slides & notes click here

**If you are interested in presenting this program please contact the WI PTA state office or e-mail Tami Robinson @ trobinson@wisconsinpta.org and it will be sent to you via e-mail or on disc.

3-2-1-0 Family Program

We have all heard the endless news stories about the increasing rates of childhood obesity.  But, what can we do about it.  Many want to "point the finger" at a specific cause.  The reality is that the rising rates of childhood obesity has MANY contributing factors and it can not be blamed on one factor.  Nor, can it be corrected by changing one factor or habit in a child's life.

Recently the staff of the NEW Kids program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin started a pilot program to help pediatricians better screen and recognize some of the health habits children and families hold that can contribute to becoming overweight.  The 3, 2, 1, 0 Family program is designed around habits children and families hold every day.  The result comes in what choices are made in those daily habits.  Choosing the less healthy options can really add up.  Making the healthier choice can lead to a lifetime of good health.

Trying to decide where to start can be touch- ITS OVERWHELMING!  Picking the key areas to start is very important.  The 3, 2, 1, 0 Family program is centered on the following recommendations.  We will briefly outline each of them in this article and provide more details and recommendations in subsequent editions of the newsletter.

3 - Aim for eating 3 meals every day.  Aka- DON'T SKIP MEALS!

2 - Two hours or less of sedentary activity a day.  Sedentary activity includes: TV, movies, video games, computer use, phone use.

1 - One hour or more of physical activity each day (in addition to school activities).  The 60 minutes of activity does not all have to be done at one time.  Make family time "fun time" by including different physical activities.

0 - Drink very little or no sweetened beverages (sugar-sweetened drinks).  Examples of sweetened beverages include: regular soda, regular kool-aid, juice drinks, 100% juice, and sports drinks

Family - Family Meal times.  We all lead busy lifestyles, but spending more time together as a family will keep a family stronger.  Family meals are a great opportunity to keep your family connected.

If you recognize your family has room for improvements in several of the above named areas, don't panic.  You are just like most families in America.  For best success, select one of the above named areas to begin your improvements

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