| Welcome! This page on the MDA website spotlights childhood
health and nutrition. We will be offering tips for both parents and health
professionals. Thanks for visiting, and for helping MDA give ALL children
a healthier future!
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ACTIVITY AND CHILDREN
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Tips for Parents
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| Children love to run and play and as adults, it is our responsibility to make sure that this happens everyday.
Parents should decrease sedentary activities that their children participate in. Encourage your child to limit
watching television, playing video games, computer activities, and talking on the phone. Join your child in fun
outdoor activities. This will not only give you and your child exercise, but it will help form a bond between the
two of you. Examples of aerobic activities you and your child can enjoy together include bicycling, basketball,
soccer, swimming, tennis, baseball, walking, running, rollerblading, and ice-skating. The benefits of physical
activity are:
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- Stronger muscles and bones.
- Controlling body weight.
- Reducing the risk of developing type II diabetes and certain kinds of cancers.
- Lowering blood pressure and blood cholesterol.
- Improved psychological well-being, self-confidence, and overall health.
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Tips for Health Professionals
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| Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, coronary artery
disease, lowering High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) (“good”) cholesterol and becoming obese. The American Heart
Association (AHA) recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous
physical activity daily. Exercise is as important as eating and breathing. Make sure physical activity is included
in everyday activities. It is important to consume plenty of fluids before, during, and after physical activity.
Drinking in 20-minute intervals during the course of the activity and after the activity ends is the easiest way to
avoid dehydration. Water is the healthiest fluid to choose and staying away from caffeine, found in sodas, can also
help prevent dehydration. Here are guidelines from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE):
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- Infants: Physical activity should encourage motor development.
- Toddlers: 90 minutes of daily physical activity total, including 30 minutes of planned physical
activity AND 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity
- Preschoolers: 120 minutes of daily physical activity total, including 60 minutes of planned physical
activity AND 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity.
- School Age Children: 60 minutes or more, broken up into 15 minute segments or more.
- References:
KidsHealth.org ,
AmericanHeart.org , and the
Weight Control
Information Network.
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Past Childhood Nutrition Tips
Alternatives to Using Food as a Reward
Back to School Brown Bag Lunches
Breakfast Boosts Brain Power!
Calcium Tips for Kids
Childhood Obesity
Dessert and Your Child
Fiber Facts
Fit Families at Home
Fit Families on the Move
Healthy Home
Healthy Kids of All Shapes and Sizes
Healthy Snacks for Kids
Healthy Snacks on the Run
Hunger Cues
I'm Thirsty! What's to Drink?
Nutrition for Schoolchildren
Teen Dieting
Teen Health
Tips for Having a Healthy Classroom Party
Tips for Picky Eaters
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References/Links
Obesity Evaluation and Treatment: Expert Committee Recommendations-
an article from PEDIATRICS Vol. 102 No. 3 September 1998.
Michigan Department of Community Health
National Institute on Child Health and Human Development
US Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control
United Dairy Industry of Michigan.
UDIM is the umbrella organization for the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Michigan.
National Dairy Council.
Visit the Health Professionals link for the 3-A-Day campaign, Nutrition Library,
Newer Knowledge of Dairy Foods, Statements, and Consumer Education materials.
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