Active Children, Active Families brochure — Hispanic

Hispanic Version (PDF – 3.2MB)

Parent Brochure

Active Kids, Healthy Families Important Information for Your Child’s Health

Inactive kids? Physical activity is more important than you think

You've probably noticed that kids today live very inactive lifestyles. When they are not watching television, they spend their time on the computer or playing video games. This means less time participating in physical activity.

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The Consequences?

There are many. A lack of physical activity can seriously damage your child's health. It's been proven that many children who spend more than four hours a day watching television or in front of the computer have more body fat, are at a higher risk to be overweight and become obese. This puts them at high risk for diabetes and heart problems—both very serious illnesses!

What can you do?

Prepare them! An active child is a physically and emotionally healthier child.

Aside from being central to good health, physical activity can have a positive impact on your child's social and emotional development. Many active children are more confident and less prone to depression and anxiety. In many cases, they even do better in other areas, like school. They also have a higher self-esteem, and are less likely to get involved in negative behaviors like smoking, drinking, or drugs. Regular involvement in physical activity will teach your kids valuable life skills.

Help them! Advice so your children can be active.

Help your children find physical activites like soccer, basketball, karate, bicycling, or family hikes. All these activities are good examples of activities that your child can do to stay healthy. Remember, not all children like the same things. Help them participate in various physical activities. That way, it will be easier for them to find physical activities that they like and want to do.

Motivate them! Suggestions to maintain your kids active

To develop healthy lifestyles and enjoy all the benefits of physical activity, doctors recommend an hour of physical activity per day. Create a balance—decrease time spent watching television and playing video games, and increase time engaged in physical activity. Motivate them to stay active by supporting them in the activities they like. Be their best example and be active with them. Physical activity should not be a chore, but instead it could be a form of family entertainment.

Start now! Resources for Parents

Ask your child’s school, your church, or other community organizations about the opportunities that exist so that your children can engage in physical activities. Many places have coaches that speak Spanish, are not too expensive, or offer scholarships.

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For more information go to www.VERBparents.com/espanol.

Inactive children is a serious problem. Make sure your family is active!

This information is made possible by VERB, a campaign created by the United Status Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Things you should know

1. The number of overweight kids has doubled since 1980. (Deckelbaum, Williams, Childhood Obesity, Obes Res 2001).
2. More than 30% of Hispanics kids are overweight, and the amount keeps increasing (The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, 1998).
3. In the last 10 years the number of Hispanic kids who have type 2 diabetes has tripled. (For more information about this problem visit www.cdc.gov/diabetes/) (Statement on Diabetes, 1999 Congressional Hispanic Caucus Hearing).
4. Do you know what are the leading causes of deaths per year in the United States? Cancer associated with the use of tobacco, and heart diseases associated with obesity and inactivity (U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics Report, vol. 51, no. 5, March 14, 2003). NOTE: Heart disease has surpassed cancer (smoking related).
5. Overweight and inactive lifestyles can considerably reduce life expectancy. (JAMA. 2003;289:187-193).
6. Doctors recommend one hour of physical activity every day. (Corbin et al., 1998).

 

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