Promote Foot Health by Fighting Childhood Obesity

Did you know that one in three children in this country are overweight or obese? Studies show that obese children are highly likely to become obese adults. Obesity has a negative impact on foot health, increasing the risk of developing several conditions such as arthritis, metatarsalgia and plantar fasciitis. September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle we support efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Childhood obesity rates have more than doubled since 1980. Obesity puts children at risk for diseases that were once only diagnosed in adults, including high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, there are ways to help reverse this trend. Small changes can bring big results. Below are some tips to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight:

• Increase active family time: walk, bike, swim, hike, play catch or shoot hoops. If you have concerns about your child’s feet, make an appointment for an evaluation with our board certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss, before increasing fitness activities.

• Help your child reach the goal of 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

• Involve your children in preparing healthy meals and choosing healthy foods at the grocery store.

• Substitute fruit, vegetables and other healthy snacks for sugary ones.

• Encourage your children to drink water instead of sodas or other high-calorie drinks.

• Limit combined screen time (TV, computer, hand held games, video games, etc.) to 2 hours a day or less.

• Participate as a family in outdoor chores: leaf raking, snow shoveling, digging in the garden.

• Suggest an event for your child’s school, church school or scout troop that will promote an active lifestyle and educate community members about childhood obesity.

Being proactive now can help your child create habits now that will lead to a lifetime of foot and overall body health. If you have questions about how to care for your child’s feet, contact our Waldorf or Clinton office.