Tim Olds, University of South Australia; Amanda Watson, University of South Australia y Carol Maher, University of South Australia
The average Australian school kid spends more time watching TV or gaming and less time being active over their summer holidays. Could more chores be the answer?
One in four Australians is overweight or obese by the time they reach adolescence, but it’s difficult to predict who is at risk. These three questions can help.
If any other condition affected as many children and contributed to as many long-term health problems as obesity does, we would have had an action plan long ago. But it’s not too late to start.
The mixed messages around children, food and weight - not to mention sophisticated marketing - can leave parents perplexed. But there are ways to wade through it all and find healthy choices.
The private car is the default transport option for many families. This reduces physical activity and increases greenhouse gas emissions, with unhealthy results for their children and the environment.
The proposal is very different to schemes in the US where BMI report cards are sent to parents. Instead, the data would feed into obesity research and prevention programs.
School is out and screens make tempting babysitters. Follow these recommendations to allow your child some screen time without compromising their health and development.