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Latinos are more likely to gain weight in childhood, studies show.
Thus it is critical to start early in teaching children and families to eat healthy and be physically active, according to a new editorial by Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association.
The editorial cites statistics on the unfortunate rise of Latino childhood obesity, including research by Salud America!, a research network funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and directed by Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Sanchez suggests four ways to help reverse the trend:
Eat healthier. Teach children and their families how to cook our traditional recipes in the healthiest way. Get rid of extra weight to reduce the burden on the heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. “When we give ourselves the gift of active living, we improve our health and feel better, too,” Sanchez said.
Learn more and check out Dr. Amelie Ramirez’s bilingual cookbook.
Get moving together. Engage in traditional, simple and fun activities like dancing, playing soccer or baseball. “The American Heart Association recommends kids and teens participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day,” Sanchez said.
Set limits on screen time, which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and an increase in snacking.
Take care of yourselves, parents. Sanchez urges parents to use Life’s Simple 7 resources in English and Spanish to improve heart health: managing blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, reducing blood sugar, getting active, eating healthier, losing weight and quitting smoking.
“Our children are our future,” Sanchez said. “Let’s make sure we give them our best and show them what a healthy lifestyle looks like. Let’s continue to strengthen our families.”
Explore More:
Maternal & Child HealthBy The Numbers
20.7
percent
of Latino kids have obesity (compared to 11.7% of white kids)
