National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

While the President's Council encourages all Americans across the lifespan to adopt a healthy lifestyle, September brings everyone increased cause to take action with National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. To do your part, set goals for you and your family this month to live a healthier lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition:

Get Active Outside

Our kids spend a lot of time in front of screens-televisions, computers, mobile devices. When you add it up, kids spend an average of seven hours per day experiencing entertainment media, in addition to computer learning. As a family, limit screen time and choose active entertainment in the month of September. Make it a goal for your family to get outside, go for walk, or play with friends at least five times a week. Or try something new each week like participating in Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day . Learn more from Let's Move! about reducing screen timing and getting active.

Make Healthy Meals

Small changes can make a big difference with healthy eating and proper nutrition. And as adults, you have the ability to set an example for your children when it comes to making healthy food choices; learning these habits at an early age will last a lifetime. Start with small changes, like swapping out your cookie jar for a basket filled with fruit or making sure vegetables are served with every meal. Print out a copy of the new MyPlate food icon and make it a family activity to fill your plate accordingly. Use these tips and resources to make healthy meals the easy option.

Need some extra encouragement?

Sign-up your family for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award to track your daily activity.