Here are some of the studies I reviewed relating to children’s health:

• In a study involving 312 middle school students, those with the highest fitness levels had the best grades and scored higher on standardized tests. (I have no doubt that the quickest and most powerful way to improve academic performance is with school-based exercise – i.e. PE everyday!) (Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 2012; 56(6): 654-60)

 

• Based on an evaluation of over 5,000 US kids ages 2-15, dining out – including both fast food and full-service restaurants, dramatically increased the intake of calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium relative to at home meals. (Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine 2012; DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrices.2013.417 )

 

• In a study including 369 kids between the ages of 5 and 18, those with a TV in their bedrooms were up to 2.5 times more likely to have the most body fat and 3 times more like to have cardiovascular risk factors. TV viewing has emerged as one of the most powerful behavioral predictors of obesity and 70% of American youths have a TV in their bedroom – Ugh.  Good Parenting 101 – Get the TV out of your child’s bedroom!(Elsevier Health Sciences (2012, December 11))

Love your kids by teaching them how to love themselves through healthy living. Order my award-winning book. The Family Plan today.