Millions of children in the United States are affected by childhood obesity.http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/childhood-obesity.htm Childhood obesity increases the risk of several medical conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep disorders, joint and bone problems, and emotional issues. These medical issues can lead to impairment or even death if the proper measures are not taken to prevent them.

Childhood obesity can be caused by a number of different things. The most common reasons are lack of exercise, overeating, and consuming food that is high in fat and sugar. Families with busy lifestyles has led to an increased consumption of fast food. Fast food may be quick during time constraints, but it is not a healthy alternative.

Many schools have replaced soda and snack vending machines with healthier alternatives like bottled water and juices. They offer more balanced meal choices to the children for school breakfast and lunch. Now parents need to step up and offer healthier food choices at home. A few small changes can make a big difference in the health and well being of a child. These changes may not make the child happy at first, but in the end they will adjust. Learning how to prevent childhood obesity can make a lifetime of difference to a child.

Children would often rather sit in front of the television, computer, or play video games, instead of going outside to play. Limiting the time they are allowed to do these things each day can encourage them to become more active. They will have to find alternatives to keep them busy.

Get the entire family involved in some kind of physical activity. Kids look up to their parents and will be more likely to mirror the activity if they see you doing it as well. Go to the park on the weekend and throw around a Frisbee, baseball, or a football. Take a hike in the mountains and find a nice spot to have a picnic. This not only helps the whole family become healthier, but it gives you quality time together that can strengthen the family bond.

Purchasing a membership to a family fitness center is another great way to get your family off the couch. These facilities have enough options available to make it easy to find something that every child will enjoy.

Many children enjoy playing sports. Encouraging them to join a sports team will get them away from the television and exercising on a regular basis.

Spending just thirty to sixty minutes taking a short walk or bike ride each day can help improve the health of a child. This short amount of time can lead to better health, less stress, and improved sleep.http://www.healthierus.gov/exercise.html

Age, gender, and activity level are used to determine the amount of calorieshttp://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/chapter2.htm that should be consumed each day. The majority of a child's daily calories should come from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk products. These foods provide important nutrients that children need.

The amount of salt, sodium, fat, and sugar that a child consumes should be limited to promote healthier eating habits. There are snack foods available that are healthy. Parents need to read labels and choose snacks that are lower in fats and sugars.

Fried foods taste great, but they are high in fat. Broiling or baking french fries and meats is healthier and reduces the fat content in these foods. They still taste good even though they are healthier.

Canned soups and vegetables are often high in sodium. Look for these foods in low sodium varieties, or cook them at home so that you control what goes into them.

Use portion control to cut down on caloric intake each day. Most people have no clue what a normal serving size should look like.

One Serving:http://www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/nutrition/resources/obparnts.htm

• 1 slice of bread
• 1/2 cup of pasta or rice
• 1 piece of fruit or wedge of melon

Most people have heard the saying practice what you preach. This is a very important step for parents when they are trying to prevent childhood obesity. Children pick up the habits of their parents, so if you don't eat healthy, they won't eat healthy. Show them that being healthy is important to you with your actions.http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/childhood-obesity.htm

Seeing mom and dad eating healthy foods and exercising will help encourage a child to do the same. Get the child involved by letting them help prepare meals or snacks, and including physical activities that can be done by the whole family. You don't have to be extravagant or come up with incredible ideas. It can be something as simple as letting the child crack the eggs or having the whole family go out in the back yard and play freeze tag.

Combining healthy eating and exercise will make a tremendous difference for a child and the entire family. Too many sudden changes can be overwhelming and may cause kids to rebel against the changes. Start out by just making a few small changes. As the family becomes accustomed to those changes, add in a few more. Before you know it, the kids and parents will be healthier and happier.