Healthy Habits from the Start

Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/healthy-habits-from-the-start/5021790/

When three- and four-year-olds enrolled in Head Start in the fall of 2012, about 28% were either overweight or obese. Childhood nutrition and physical development have long been integral parts of Head Start programming, but their importance has risen in recent years as obesity has become a growing concern among young children from low-income families. While findings from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released in August of 2013 in the Vital Signs report showed that there were statistically significant decreases in obesity rates among low-income preschools in 19 states from 2008 to 2011, the report also cited research that children who are overweight or obese in preschool are five times as likely to be obese as adults. Even as the tide begins to turn, there is considerable work to be done to help all young children achieve healthy eating and exercise habits. Head Start programs see this as a challenge, but also an opportunity; because programs work with the entire family, they have the opportunity to help children develop healthy behaviors both in school and at home that will set them up for life-long health. Programs’ efforts are supported by partner organizations, curricula, and other resources that help them achieve ...