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Health Officials: Talk To Children About Making Healthy Choices

Last updated on Friday, September 22, 2017

(INDIANAPOLIS) - September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and state health officials are encouraging parents to talk with their children about healthy eating and physical activity.

"Children who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults," said Deputy State Health Commissioner Pam Pontones. "This can lead to lifelong physical and mental health problems, including diabetes and increased risk of certain cancers. As parents, we can help lead by example and talk with our kids about making healthy choices."

Approximately one of every five children in the United States is obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Indiana, almost 31 percent of children ages 10 to 17 were overweight or obese in 2015. The main causes of excess weight in youth are similar to those in adults and include lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating.

While there is no single solution, National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month provides an opportunity for parents and children to learn about ways to prevent and address this public health problem.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) offers families tips on how to eat better and move more:

For more tips, visit ISDH's website at http://www.in.gov/isdh/20060.htm. For other important health and safety information, go to www.StateHealth.in.gov, or follow ISDH on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.

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