Creative Ways To Help Children Stay In Shape (NAPSA)—It’s important that children take steps to stay active and healthy. Yet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that the percent of American children who are overweight has more than doubled since 1980. In fact, it’s estimated that about 15 percent of all children in the U.S. today are overweight—and carrying those extra pounds can lead to a number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So how can you help your kids encourages kids to get off the these tips: host DJ Rick Adams (Radio KOL, Nickelodeon UK), the show chal- fight the battle of the bulge—or avoid becoming overweight in the first place? Get creative and try Shake It Up—A new TV show couch and dance. Dance Dance Revolution. With Involve your kids in the meals lenges teens and tweensto bring their best dance moves to the Start by taking them grocery shopping. Discuss smart food to get off the couch and join in the fun. It’s part of what KOL saysis Eat Smart you eat, every step of the way. choices and the importanceof eat- ing plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. Let kids pick out some healthy side dishes for dinners and teach them to look at labels before they make a choice. Also, point out that there are a number of foods out there that taste good and are good for them. They shouldn’t associate healthful foods with bad taste. Then, when you get home, have your kids help prepare a healthful dinner. Watch Smart Odds are, your children like watching TV, so you might as well have them get a little exercise while they do it. Kids can tune in and dance along with shows such as “Dance Revolution!” on the KOL Secret Slumber Party lineup on CBS. The sensational new dance competition was inspired by the hit video game franchise, show and viewers are encouraged their overall effort to encourage kids to lead healthy, balanced active lifestyles. Be Smart Parents who are overweight are more likely to have children who are overweight. So you may want to think about leading by example. Make smart lifestyle decisions and explain to your children the rea- sons you do the things you do. For instance, the next time you drive to the mall with your children, park far away from the entrance. Tell your kids you parked far away because you like to take walks dur- ing the day and that exercise helps keep you healthy and happy. It may sound simple, but a little effort can go a long way. For more information, tune in to CBS on Saturday mornings or visit the Web site www.secret slumberparty.com.
