The Tennessean – Staff Writer
According to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, today’s youth need to develop healthier habits — and parents can help them do it. Only one in three children are physically active on a daily basis, and 40 percent of their calorie intake comes from sugars and fats. Most parents want to help their children develop healthy lifestyles, but they aren’t sure about what they should do. Elizabeth Hughes, director of healthy living initiatives at the YMCA Center for Health Innovation, says it’s important for kids to learn these habits at a young age “in order to live a healthy lifestyle that is sustainable in the long term.” “Make it fun, and make it age appropriate,” Hughes instructs parents. “Start to establish a routine, and then track your progress so you can see where you are reaching your goals.” Here are some more tips to help you get started improving your family’s health.(more)