Healthy weight for children

What is childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity is a serious issue. It can lead to many problems that get worse as your child gets older. Overweight children have a higher risk of having:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Bone and joint problems
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Sleep disorders

Childhood obesity affects more than just your child’s health. It affects how they behave. Maybe they’re afraid to play outside because they think they’ll get made fun of. Maybe they don’t want to be the slowest person in the game. Playing outside is a great way to make new friends, discover new passions and build confidence. Carrying a little extra weight around can stop your child from trying out for the team they want to play for. Or keep them from going hiking with their friends.

If you think that your child is overweight, you can calculate their body mass index (BMI) to find out.

What can I do if my child is obese?

There are plenty of ways to manage your child’s weight. Taking your child to their annual checkup is a good start. A primary care physician (PCP) will notice any changes in your child’s growth. Then, they may suggest ways to manage or lose extra weight, like eating healthy and staying active.

What is a healthy diet?

A healthy diet can help your child lose weight and build strong muscles and bones. It’s important to know how many calories your child needs and what types of foods are best for their age. It’s always good to eat:

• Fruits and vegetables (five servings a day)
• Lean meats, nuts and eggs
• Whole-grain breads and cereals 
• Foods that are broiled, grilled or steamed, instead of fried
• Very little fast food and junk food

Be active

Your child should get at least one hour of exercise or physical activity every day. This helps reduce fat and cut down on obesity. Getting active for an hour a day is easy. It’s as simple as:

• Playing a sport
• Playing with friends
• Walking your dog
• Swimming
• Riding a bike
• Jumping rope
• Hiking
• Going for a jog

About the author

AJ Murphy is an evocative young writer who grew up in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood. AJ began his writing career at Alaska Ice Rinks Inc. in Anchorage, AK, where he also drove a Zamboni and took care of outdoor hockey rinks.

If you’ve ever had the flu, you know how bad it can be. Getting the flu shot is one way to help prevent against the flu, and it's covered by your health plan. The other way is to understand flu myths and facts, so you can stay healthy.

Be prepared for flu season

A flu vaccine (shot) is your best chance to avoid the flu. It’s best to get a shot each year, as soon the flu shot is available in your area. This can be done at your doctor’s office or a health clinic.

The flu vaccine is available in several forms. Most are given in an arm muscle with a needle. Talk with your doctor about which form is best for you.

Myth vs. Fact

M: You can catch the flu from the flu shot

F: A flu shot cannot cause the flu virus.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for just about everyone ages 6 months and older. If you're not sure if you should get the flu shot, check with your doctor first.

M: The flu shot is expensive.

F: The flu shot is covered by your health plan. If you're enrolled, make sure you get your flu shot at no extra cost.

M: The flu shot shouldn't be given at the same time as other vaccines.

F: The flu shot can be given at the same time as other vaccines,2 including the pneumococcal vaccine.

M: Getting the flu shot is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.

F: Getting the flu shot is one way to protect yourself. Make sure you also avoid contact with people who have the flu. And remember to wash your hands often.

M: Antibiotics help with the flu.

F: Antibiotics don't necessarily treat the flu. They only help with infections caused by bacteria. Antiviral drugs like TAMIFLU^® can fight the flu virus, so you can feel better faster.

¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Misconceptions about seasonal flu and flu vaccines. September 25, 2018. Available at: cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fabout%2Fqa%2Fmisconceptions.htm. Accessed May 20, 2019.

²Georgia Department of Public Health. Adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccines FAQ.

Available at: dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/Immunizations/Flu-Season-Flu-Pneu-FAQs.pdf. Accessed May 20, 2019.