Healthy Kids

Food For Thought

Submitted By: Rainbow Chimes Early Childhood Education and Care Center

 

This article has been excerpted from an article submitted by Rainbow Chimes Early Childhood Education and Care Center of Huntington.  To download the full article, click here.

Childhood obesity is becoming epidemic. Can proper nutrition and physical activity at a very early age make a difference?

 

The answer is a resounding yes! Lessons taught early in life about proper nutrition and fitness can pay dividends both immediately and in the long run. This is particularly important when you consider the alarming and growing trend of childhood obesity in America, a trend that is fueled by junk food and increasingly sedentary youth lifestyles punctuated by video games and instant messaging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are nearly three times as many overweight children today in this country as there were 30 years ago. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services further defines this by reporting that approximately 13% of children aged 6 to 11 and 14% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 are either overweight or obese. Adding to the dilemma is the fact that overweight children have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults and as such are at risk for serious health problems including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

"Exposing children, at a very young and impressionable age, to the benefits of eating right and exercising regularly is an absolute necessity," says Kathleen Roche, Founder and Executive Director of Rainbow Chimes Early Childhood Education and Care Center and a registered nurse. "Not one of the babies or preschool children who are enrolled at our center full-time for at least a year are overweight.  Research shows that good nutritional and fitness habits begun early in life lead to better academic performance, increased self-confidence and self-esteem, happiness and health."

 

Nutritional Benefits

It’s no secret that today’s parents are busier than ever, always on the go, frequently stressed.  Although they want the best nutrition for their children, there’s not always time to prepare balanced “good for you” meals. Of course, kids are also finicky eaters, creating yet another challenge.  Careful attention must be paid to ensure that children are provided with a wide diversity of foods including whole grains, fruits and vegetables – balanced with the right amounts of proteins, “good” fats, vitamins and minerals, and a few low-sugar treats.  Besides many choices on each of the breakfast, lunch and snack menus, varying foods from different cultures should be served, exposing children to an array of taste possibilities from around the world. Importantly, meals should be presented in a way that is very colorful on the plate, making foods more inviting to young children.  All these factors combine to encourage even the most finicky youngsters to eat better and more consistently.

 

Fitness Advantages
All children should partake in daily outdoor activities and exercise.  For example, Rainbow Chimes has created an extensive fitness-based program in collaboration with Dr. Anthony Conti, a chiropractor in Syosset, who has many years of background in fitness for children.  “Government research has suggested that children should be involved in physical activity for one hour or more each day,” states Dr. Conti.  “Activity should also be well rounded.”

Playgrounds are great for racing, jumping, swinging and climbing plus a trike and running track.  Play structures can also feature a rock climbing wall, a fort, a ship and a collection of bridges, tunnels and slides. Outdoor activity areas are age-specific to optimize fitness benefits for each child.  Fitness programs are not limited to outdoor locations, however.  Children should also be very active in the classroom...building with block structures, doing calisthenics, dancing and performing yoga. 

 

Can All of the Above Make a Difference?
Again, the answer is yes. “Studies have shown a direct correlation between proper nutrition, physical activity and the ability in children to focus more succinctly, to be more energetic, to minimize or avoid behavioral issues, and to learn more effectively,” sums up Kathleen Roche.  “Most importantly, when children are taught at a young age how vital eating well and exercising regularly are, they learn to take responsibility for their own nutrition and fitness...and they’re better prepared to carry that responsibility into adulthood.”

______________________________

Rainbow Chimes was named as a 2008 Best Nursery School of Long Island (#1 in Suffolk County) by Long Island Press and is also a past recipient of the Suffolk County Child Care Center of the Year Award.  Recently, Rainbow Chimes was chosen by the Huntington School District as one of the district’s Universal Pre-K locations.  For further information about Rainbow Chimes Early Childhood Education and Care Center, please call 631-427-6300.