Moffitt Healthy KIDZ Program addresses issue of childhood obesity

TAMPA - Moffitt Healthy KIDZ Program

Mission Statement: "Address childhood obesity by creating a healthy, fun environment for children that keeps them moving in and outside the home" - Nikki Ross Inda, Program Organizer/Health Educator

According to the USDA, children ages 6 -17 years of age should engage in 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity each day.

Let's Move Together!

When it's too hot outside or it's raining, try these family fun activities:  

·    Active board games such as Guesstures or Taboo
·    Wii Sports and Xbox Kinect and other game consoles are great for one or with two players
·    Turn on your favorite music and dance to your own beat, "just move it"!

For the little ones:

·    Musical chairs are a great way to add fun active movement to their day.
·    Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes. Sing it, start off slowly and speed up the song while reaching for those body parts.

Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose!
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
KNEES AND TOES!

On a budget, no problem, you can still be active:

Jog, jump rope and hula hoop in one spot without the equipment while watching your favorite television program or in between commercials. Kids can do this while watching cartoons.

Get the whole family involved in household chores, like sweeping, vacuuming and yard work.

Keep it simple! Add creative, colorful fruits and vegetables to your day:

Here are a few food tips that are quick, easy, moderately priced and healthy.
Be sure to include the children, they love to help out in the kitchen and are more likely to try new foods if they help to make it!

·    Veggie Pizza - broccoli, spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes, add low or reduced fat mozzarella cheese
·    Celery & Carrot Stick mix
·    Leafy vegetables, greens, peas
·    Smoothies - consider investing in a juicer.
·    Use a small plate & use fresh fruit to create a "happy" face, with strawberries, blueberries, grapes, apples and oranges.
·    Low fat yogurt with granola and fruit
·    Add fruit to oat meal or pancakes, i.e. bananas, raisins, berries, strawberries.
·    Try using whole-grain bread with a thin layer of peanut butter and sliced bananas
·    Jazz it up your next omelet by adding your favorite vegetables, i.e. bell peppers, onions, cilantro, mushrooms, and tomatoes to an egg or egg whites.

Cut back on SUGAR

Sodas are liquid sugar sources and they don't fill you up. Try using these substitutes:

·    Water
·    Low-fat milk
·    100% fruit juice for a beverage with vitamins and minerals

GETTING ENOUGH OF THESE FOODS CAN REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CERTAIN DISEASES, SUCH AS CANCER.

Back to the basics, sometimes change begins with baby-steps!

·    For more specific healthy tips and ideas, including free print outs, join me by visiting these helpful websites:

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups
http://www.insidemoffitt.com/Moffitt-Healthy-Kidz.htm
http://www.letsmove.gov
http://kidshealth.org/kid

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This content was provided to ABC Action News by Moffitt Cancer Center.