Child Health Day: Healthy Life, Happy Kids
By Senator Leticia Van de Putte
The memories of my Brady Bunch-size family hiking at a Texas State park always brings a smile to my face. During one of these three-mile hiking adventures, as the children jumped into the creek to cool off, my eldest son tugged on my sleeve and said, “These are my favorite days, Mommy!”
What all parents want is for our children to be healthy and happy. A simple equation for accomplishing this great joy is spending time together while encouraging a healthy lifestyle. We even began celebrating it as a nation in 1928 as Child Health Day.
Child Health Day falls on October 4th this year. It originated for the purpose of increasing awareness on the significance of children's health and well-being - namely prenatal care and proper immunizations. Today there is a more urgent reason to make the health of our nation's children a high priority. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, one in six American children under the age of nineteen is overweight.
In Texas, the statistics are even more disconcerting. Our state is ranked sixth-highest for teenage obesity, with 42% of Texas fourth graders considered overweight. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are the physical consequences of this epidemic. The psychological ramifications are just as dangerous. They include depression, low self-esteem and social isolation.
Childhood obesity is a personal and sensitive topic for families. It is not merely an issue of saving Texas $10.5 billion on health care costs. Neither is it an issue of morality or physical perfection. It is a matter of a child's happiness and well-being. It is about how children feel about themselves. Research has shown that children who follow healthy suggestions have increased academic scores, decreased discipline problems, and more interaction with friends.
In my family, outings to Woodlawn Lake were a weekly occurrence, commonly known as "Duck Days" because the kids ran around the lake to feed the ducks. When it was snack time, although my children would have loved to eat the candies and sodas available, we chose fruit paletas and cucumbers topped with chili powder from the park vendors. Now, I pass on healthy habits by sharing "Duck Days" with my grandsons.
This October 4, I encourage families to make a pledge to promote healthy decisions in their children's lives. The skills taught to maintain a healthy lifestyle are ones that will last a lifetime. Dedication to this pledge will create lasting memories and longer, healthier lives for all of our family members.
A healthy, happy life for our children is an ideal that can be achieved. We must not forget that the healthier our children are, the happier they are. And isn't that what we ultimately want for our children?
By Senator Leticia Van de Putte
The memories of my Brady Bunch-size family hiking at a Texas State park always brings a smile to my face. During one of these three-mile hiking adventures, as the children jumped into the creek to cool off, my eldest son tugged on my sleeve and said, “These are my favorite days, Mommy!”
What all parents want is for our children to be healthy and happy. A simple equation for accomplishing this great joy is spending time together while encouraging a healthy lifestyle. We even began celebrating it as a nation in 1928 as Child Health Day.
Child Health Day falls on October 4th this year. It originated for the purpose of increasing awareness on the significance of children's health and well-being - namely prenatal care and proper immunizations. Today there is a more urgent reason to make the health of our nation's children a high priority. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, one in six American children under the age of nineteen is overweight.
In Texas, the statistics are even more disconcerting. Our state is ranked sixth-highest for teenage obesity, with 42% of Texas fourth graders considered overweight. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are the physical consequences of this epidemic. The psychological ramifications are just as dangerous. They include depression, low self-esteem and social isolation.
Childhood obesity is a personal and sensitive topic for families. It is not merely an issue of saving Texas $10.5 billion on health care costs. Neither is it an issue of morality or physical perfection. It is a matter of a child's happiness and well-being. It is about how children feel about themselves. Research has shown that children who follow healthy suggestions have increased academic scores, decreased discipline problems, and more interaction with friends.
In my family, outings to Woodlawn Lake were a weekly occurrence, commonly known as "Duck Days" because the kids ran around the lake to feed the ducks. When it was snack time, although my children would have loved to eat the candies and sodas available, we chose fruit paletas and cucumbers topped with chili powder from the park vendors. Now, I pass on healthy habits by sharing "Duck Days" with my grandsons.
This October 4, I encourage families to make a pledge to promote healthy decisions in their children's lives. The skills taught to maintain a healthy lifestyle are ones that will last a lifetime. Dedication to this pledge will create lasting memories and longer, healthier lives for all of our family members.
A healthy, happy life for our children is an ideal that can be achieved. We must not forget that the healthier our children are, the happier they are. And isn't that what we ultimately want for our children?
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