A Message from Whittier Street Health Center’s Wellness Team: September Is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

One in 3 children in the United States is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Whittier Street Health Center encourages you and your family to make healthy changes together.

• Get active outside: Walk around the neighborhood, go on a bike ride, or play basketball at the park.
• Limit screen time: Keep screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) to 2 hours or less a day.
• Make healthy meals: Buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods.

Taking small steps as a family can help your child stay at a healthy weight.

• If you are concerned about your child’s weight, ask his or her doctor for a referral to our Healthy Weight Clinic. The clinic’s team includes a nutritionist and a fitness coordinator who will help your family adopt healthy habits.
• Join the Whittier Street Health Center Fitness Club. Teens 14 years old or older have a special rate of $5/month for enrollment!

For more information, visit www.wshc.org.