Did you know our current generation of children could be the first in history to live shorter lives than their parents?  It’s true!  According to recent research, obesity shortens an individual’s average lifespan by about four to nine months, and if childhood obesity continues to rise, it could shorten an individual’s average lifespan by about two to five years.  Additionally, the quality of life can be decreased by decades. 

Obesity has now become an epidemic in our nation, and Americans need to take action.  We need to learn to make healthier food selections and participate in more physical activity – from children, to parents, to grandparents.  Obesity is not just a child’s problem; it is a problem the whole family should be involved in conquering.

The first step to a healthy lifestyle is education.  Educating yourself and your family about good nutrition and physical activity will enable everyone to make better food choices and schedule time to participate in beneficial physical activity.  We at Covenant Health System want to provide you with the information you need.  We would like to invite you to learn that it only takes small lifestyle changes that add up to big benefits.   Join us by exploring our website, to learn helpful tips about exercise and nutrition.  We can help answer typical questions such as:  How many servings are in a bagel (Portion Sizes)?  What vitamins are in the fruits we eat (Fruit Checklist)?  How do we deal with picky eating children (Picky Eaters)? 

Becoming a Heart Healthy Family can be simple, and American families need to take a stand to make it happen.  Reach out to the healthcare providers who are eagerly waiting to help you and read the information that is made available for you.  Small changes can be made daily, weekly, or monthly; with each small change, you are one step closer to becoming a more Heart Healthy Family.