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Health & Fitness

A Steady Diet of Nutrition Education

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in America, and not just among adults. In fact, obesity frequently begins during the developmental years. And due to its recent proliferation in young people, children are projected to live shorter lives than their parents for the first time in history. 

To help remedy this alarming health issue, Redondo Beach Unified School District (RBUSD) is taking action locally, specifically through a Beach Cities Health District program called LiveWell Tots.

LiveWell Tots was created in response to a startling local trend – 25 percent of students entering RBUSD kindergartens were statistically overweight or obese, according to 2010 data.  The program builds upon the proven successes of Beach Cities Health District’s LiveWell Kids program, but the curriculum is designed specifically for preschool-aged children.  Through LiveWell Tot’s nutrition education lessons, mindful-based learning techniques and healthy activities, hundreds of Beach Cities children are improving their health and well-being on a daily basis.

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Yet, while nutrition education in school is an important step in curbing childhood obesity, parents, you are the key! 

Our children learn from what we do more than what we say, and they’ve been imitating us since birth. In fact, research shows if you are physically active, your children are much more likely to follow suit.  Coincidentally, the healthier you eat, the healthier your children will eat. 

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What’s more, February is both National Children’s Dental Health Month and American Heart Month. While heart disease is the leading chronic disease among adults, dental caries (tooth decay) is the most common chronic disease in children.  Startlingly, research shows a correlation between poor oral health and the development of cardiovascular disease.  So, be sure to floss tonight and make an appointment with your family’s dentist tomorrow! 

For more information on LiveWell Tots and other Beach Cities Health District programs, visit www.bchd.org.

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