The HCAT will pursue two strategies for reducing childhood obesity: moving more and developing healthy eating habits. These two strategies will work in tandem to encourage and enable Waynesboro youth to expend through physical activity the healthier calories they consume.
Moving More
Children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years should get 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity each day. At least three days a week, activities should include aerobic activity (activity that increases heart rate), bone-strengthening activities (like running or jumping), and muscle-strengthening activities (like climbing or doing push-ups). All forms of physical movement can contribute to obesity reduction, from walking to weightlifting, skateboarding to soccer, bike riding to basketball, tennis to trampolining.
Follow this link to learn about 10 easy and fun exercises for kids, called “exerplay.” https://www.verywellfamily.com/easy-exercises-for-kids-1257391#:~:text=Fun%20jumps%20for%20kids%20to,to%2Dback%20over%20pretend%20hurdle
Check out this series of short exercise videos from the National Fitness Foundation. These are suitable for teenagers and adults. https://fitness.foundation/freepe
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Follow this link for a comprehensive list of Waynesboro Parks and Recreation’s facilities – places you can go and get exercise (mostly) for free. Click Here
Making Healthy Food Choices
A healthy diet consists of foods that are nutrient dense. Examples of nutrient-dense foods include:
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Protein such as lean meat and poultry, eggs, seafood, beans, lentils, soy products, and nuts and seeds
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Fruits and vegetables can be enjoyed in all forms, including fresh, frozen, dried, or canned. Check canned vegetables for no salt added on the label and look for canned fruit that is packed in its own juice to reduce added sugar
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Grains provide necessary carbohydrates to our diet and include both whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains are more nutritious since they involve the whole grain kernel and include whole-wheat bread and pasta, oatmeal, quinoa, popcorn, or brown rice
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Dairy products may include fat-free or low-fat dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese. Dairy alternatives can also include fortified products that contain soy, almond or cashew.
Check out the following links for information on making healthy food choices.
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US Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate program contains information on age-specific guidelines for different life stages and recipes that align with the MyPlate recommendations. https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate
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Click here to find information on Project GROWS’ Fresh Food for All Program: https://www.projectgrows.org/affordable-food
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Rev Your Bev is a campaign to reduce consumption of sugar sweetened beverages by increasing water consumption.
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