IN FLUENCE
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Health & Wellness
TIPS TO COMBAT CHILD WEIGHT GAIN DURING
THE PANDEMIC
ince the start of COVID-19, many children have not had access to the nutrition and physical activity they would have received in school. This combined with the stress and change of routines resulting from the pandemic has accelerated the childhood obesity epidemic. While childhood obesity has been plaguing the United States for years, pediatricians have seen a stark increase in abnormal rates of weight gain over the past year, and it may have lasting effects on children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children who put on excess weight face a greater long-term risk of health issues, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, asthma and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. The good news is it’s never too late to help set a healthy course for your child and your family. Dr. Arethusa Kirk, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare, shares warning signs and ways to help keep children active and healthy:
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What Warning Signs Should Parents be Aware of? If you notice any changes in your child’s weight, the first step is to determine the underlying cause. There is a difference between normal body changes that come with routine growth and development of growing children and rapid weight gain that indicates a more serious health issue. If your child suddenly gains 10-20 pounds, this may require a deeper investigation and a consultation with your pediatrician or family practice provider. With the pandemic, health providers are seeing heightened depression and anxiety from limited social interaction for both children and adults. In states of depression, eating habits and appetite can change which can result in excess snacking and extended time spent inactive. Ask questions to understand your child’s motivations. Are they eating out of hunger, just boredom or when they feel emotional or anxious? The more you understand the motivation and cause, the better the ability to intervene and enlist the help of the right professionals like your pediatrician.
FLUENTIAL MAY / JUNE 2021
Ways to Keep Your Child Active and Healthy Replace Screen Time with Family Time With the shift to virtual learning, it’s not uncommon for children to sit idle for hours staring at a screen. To combat this, set a daily limit on screen time for all members of the household. Then use that extra time to engage in activities that keep your family physically and mentally active.
