TWC News is committed fighting the alarming trends facing kids' health with our Fit Kids February initiative. To help kick it off, Health reporter Erin Billups provides some tips to help make your child's environment safer, as well as a peek at the challenges we'll present to you over the next month.
In our previous Fit Kids installment, we discussed how some health experts believe environmental changes have contributed to the rise in chronic illnesses among kids. Here are some practical safety tips.
Microwave food in ceramic or glass containers not plastic. Use cloth shower curtains rather than plastic- both reduce exposure to phthalates and bisphenol A. If possible, avoid wall to wall carpeting which traps large amounts of mold, dust and dirt.
Carpets may also include flame retardants which may be present in mattresses and couches as well.
"To the extent parents can find furniture which is free of that material it's good. Those brominated flame retardants don't really do that much to retard flames, and they do a lot to damage the brains of young children,” said Dr. Philip Landrigan director of Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center.
Also, when you can and the price is right, buy organic or foods that are labelled pesticides-free. And try and keep your kids indoors during bad air days to minimize exposure to pollutants.
What else do we have control over? Our kids' dietary habits and when and how they exercise. Throughout February we'll pose a different challenge for you to accept each week, to help you raise more health conscious kids.
Week one is “Fit Kids Shopping,” where we highlight ways to replace the junk food at home with fruits and vegetables.
"Parents who instill reading food labels empower the child to be a part of the decision making,” said Judith Wylie-Rosett a spokesperson for the American Heart Association and a nutrition expert.
Week two, we challenge you to cut sugary drinks out of your family's diet.
Week three, we focus on re-taming your taste buds, challenging you to leave the salty and processed foods behind.
And week four, it's time to get kids moving. We look into the importance of 60 minutes of physical activity, and ways to fit it into their jammed, daily schedules. While the challenge is aimed at children- we invite parents to join along.
"Children are constantly watching us for cues and if we say eat your vegetables and we're sitting in front of the television with a bag of chips, we are basically giving the message of vegetables don't taste good, but I'm going to make you eat them,” said Wylie-Rosett.
As part of Time Warner Cable News' "Fit Kids February" series we want to hear how your kids stay active. Be sure to tweet us using #FitKidsFeb.
During the month of February, Time Warner Cable News is committed to informing our viewers of the sometimes alarming trends facing our kids' health as well as provide helpful tips for busy parents. Get more information on Fit Kids February, including the Fit Kids Challenge, healthy shopping suggestions and ways you can get involved to help make you and your children healthier!