INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Youth Institute is encouraging families, schools and communities to help children develop healthy habits as new data highlights concerns about childhood obesity and physical wellness across Indiana.
Dr. Tami Silverman, president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI), is beginning a new series examining the Eight Dimensions of Wellness and how adults can support children and adolescents as they grow.
The framework, developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, includes physical, emotional, social, intellectual, environmental, financial, occupational and spiritual wellness. Although originally designed for adults, the dimensions offer a way to understand the different factors that contribute to children’s overall well-being.
Physical wellness is the first focus of the series, emphasizing the importance of everyday habits such as physical activity, nutritious food, adequate sleep and balanced screen time.
According to the latest analysis of child weight trends in central Indiana cited by Silverman, more than one in five children ages 2 to 19 are living with obesity, and nearly four in 10 are overweight or obese. Among children ages 2 to 5, obesity prevalence increased by 83% between 2014 and 2023.
The data highlights the importance of establishing healthy routines early in life. For young children, adults can encourage active play, introduce a variety of nutritious foods and establish consistent bedtime routines.
School-age children can become more involved in choosing physical activities they enjoy, helping prepare meals and understanding the importance of sleep. For teenagers, continued encouragement can help them balance physical activity, nutrition and rest with increasingly busy schedules.
Silverman recommends encouraging teenagers to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Activities do not have to be limited to organized sports; biking, dancing, hiking, playground activities and active games can also help young people stay moving.
Screen use is another consideration, particularly when it interferes with sleep, physical activity or in-person relationships. Families can establish reasonable boundaries, including screen-free times during meals and before bedtime.
Supporting Children Takes a Community
Silverman emphasizes that responsibility for children’s physical wellness does not rest with parents alone. Access to nutritious food, safe neighborhoods, parks and sidewalks can influence whether children have opportunities to develop healthy habits.
Schools can help by providing nutritious meals and opportunities for movement. Coaches, teachers, mentors and youth workers can reinforce healthy choices, while out-of-school programs can incorporate active play and healthy snacks. Community leaders can also invest in safe spaces where children can play and exercise.
The Eight Dimensions of Wellness will remain the focus of IYI’s work in the coming months as the organization explores how different aspects of well-being work together to support healthy development.
The topic will also be addressed at the Indiana Youth Institute’s KIDS COUNT Conference, scheduled for Nov. 2-3 in Indianapolis. The conference brings together youth-serving professionals from across the state to learn, connect and strengthen their work with children and families.
Registration is open for the conference. More information is available at iyi.org.
Silverman’s message is that physical wellness begins with everyday choices and the environments surrounding children. By working together to make healthy routines and opportunities more accessible, families and communities can help young Hoosiers build a foundation for lifelong well-being.
