by Dave Juehring, D.C.
Director of Chiropractic Rehabilitation and Sports Injury, Palmer Chiropractic Clinics
When it comes to our children’s health, scientists and the medical community increasingly agree that it is not the latest vitamin or antibiotic that does the trick, but healthy habits consisting of eating right and increased physical activity/exercise.
Dave Juehring, D.C.; Director of Chiropractic Rehabilitation and Sports Injury for Palmer Chiropractic Clinics
And who plays a significant role in creating these healthy habits that will give your child the best chance for long, healthy life? You do, as a parent and role model. Children acquire healthy habits in the same way they assimilate other vital behaviors–by emulation. The old saying, “Monkey see, monkey do” certainly holds true in this case. Remember, you are your child’s chief advocate, so show them the way.
Families matter greatly in whether children adopt healthy habits or not. One study of almost 1,500 high school students found that students who placed a high value on good health and had parents who modeled good health habits indeed exhibited better health habits.
The landmark 1997 National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health survey of 12,000 adolescents, grades seven through twelve, found that “the family environment matters most.” You need to reinforce good health habits by “walking the walk.” The research concluded that teens closely model their parents’ health habits regarding smoking, eating and exercise. Even more impressive was the finding that teens will not pick and choose which of their parents’ habits to model and instead tend to mimic their overall “health-risk lifestyle.” Thus, if the parents had several poor health habits, the teen would tend to emulate those habits as well. Conversely, extremely healthy parents tended to have extremely health-conscious teens.
To make sure our kids are doing what we want them to do, take an inventory of what you do. Take a look your own habits. You may be surprised.
Monkey see, monkey do: Are you choosing healthy foods for you? The best way to get your children to make healthy food choices is to set an example. By choosing healthful foods and snacks—like fruit or vegetables instead of ice cream or cookies—you encourage your children to do the same. Keep plenty of fruits, vegetables and healthy snacks in the house. According to the Mayo Clinic, hardening of the arteries begins in childhood—decades before most people even think about healthy lifestyles. So give your kids an advantage; head them down the right path.
Monkey see, monkey do: Is being active and exercising a part of you? Invite your children to share in exercise; you can find plenty of ways to get them up and moving. Approximately one in five children in the United States between the ages of six and 17 is overweight, more than double the number from 30 years ago. Obese children often become obese adults. Center family outings around physical activities such as riding a bike, going for a hike, swimming in a pool or hitting the baseball diamond. Perform and encourage all forms of exercise. Find those activities that your children enjoy and get them involved. Keep passive activities to a minimum. Limit television, videos and computers to an hour or two a day. Active children are less inclined to be obese and have health problems.
Monkey see, monkey do: Now you know what to do! Lead by example. Show your children that good nutrition is important to you and stay active and exercise for a healthy lifestyle. And what is a tremendous reward for all of your healthy habits? A healthy, alert child who is likely to enjoy life. All of your actions can go a long way to improving the health and happiness of your child.
