YOUR LIFE YOUR HEALTH

Why it’s important to create healthy habits with your children

Mar 30, 2023, 6:01 PM | Updated: Mar 31, 2023, 5:32 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — Childhood obesity continues to rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health experts say it’s important to create healthy habits at a young age with your kids to ensure they have a healthy life.

Dr. Neal Davis, a pediatrician at Intermountain Health, said he believes the rise in childhood obesity could be attributed to higher sugar intake, lower physical activity, and more screen time.

“Lives now for children are so different than they were several decades ago,” he said.

Davis said childhood obesity has serious health effects, adding that it could lead to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

“When kids fall into obesity, it can be limiting, and that can have long term implications for health,” he said.

To get started on a healthier lifestyle for your kids, Davis recommends the 5-2-1-0 method:

  • five servings of fruits and veggies a day
  • no more than two hours of screen time
  • at least one hour of physical activity a day
  • zero sweetened beverages

“Helping kids understand that food is something that we can prepare and eat, and that it helps our body have fuel and help us grow,” Davis said. “A positive relationship with food is another important thing.”

Justin McPheters and his wife, Katrina, have five kids, and they make exercise a priority to keep their kids healthy.

“We have always wanted our kids to exercise and enjoy life,” Katrina said.

The McPheters said they enjoy hiking together as a family — even hiking Kings Peak, the highest peak in Utah.

“I just love seeing them do hard things,” Justin said.

“When we first started hiking, it was a struggle to keep them going, but now, they are a lot faster than I am,” Katrina said.

The McPheters said when it comes to physical activity, they started small, and recommend others do the same.

“It doesn’t have to be a big, long all-day thing, but just doing something to move around,” Justin said.

KSL 5 TV Live

Your Life Your Health

...

Emma Benson

National Nutrition Month: How to talk about body image with your kids

March is National Nutrition Month, a campaign designed to promote informed eating choices and positive body image.

6 days ago

Brady Dransfield (right) poses with his father, Scott Dransfield shortly after transplant surgery. ...

Emma Benson

‘Listen to your body’: Transplant survivor shares story for World Kidney Day

A kidney transplant survivor is warning others about kidney disease, including on World Kidney Day.

14 days ago

Mark Seguin in the hospital...

Emma Benson

Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Survivor urges screenings, early detection 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a chance to raise awareness of the number one cancer killer for men under 50, and number two for women under 50.

21 days ago

Comiske riding her stationary bike, something she does every morning....

Emma Benson

Strategies to lengthen your life

The CDC says, on average, women tend to live 5-7 years longer than men because men have a higher rate of cardiovascular disease, but there are simple, healthy ways to increase your life expectancy.

28 days ago

Chris and Aimee Tyler, speaking about their experience with Chris's pancreatic cancer diagnosis....

Emma Benson

‘Cancer can affect anybody’: Utah couple processes pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and often goes undetected until it's advanced. One Utah County man is fighting for more time with his loved ones.

1 month ago

Ruth Norton uses the ArthroFit gym to help senior patients prevent, prepare for and recover from su...

Emma Benson

Intermountain program helps seniors fight joint pain, recover from surgery

Ruth Norton has had her fair share of health challenges, including double-knee surgery, open-heart surgery, and breast cancer. 

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Why it’s important to create healthy habits with your children