One in three children in the United States are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In recognition of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the Arizona Department of Health Services encourages your family to make healthy changes together.

You can take  small steps  to help keep your kids healthy:

• Get active outside. Walk around the neighborhood, go on a bike ride, or play basketball at the park.
• Limit screen time. screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) to two hours or less a day.
• Buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

In the Arizona Health Improvement Plan: Healthy People, Healthy Communities, we have identified important actions to help prevent obesity. Making affordable, healthy foods more available, taking opportunities to increase physical activity, and empowering everyone to adopt a healthy lifestyle are some ways. Our Arizona WIC Program and  Empower Program are making a difference by providing services to prevent childhood obesity. Remember, taking small steps as a family can help your child stay at a healthy weight. For healthy tips and recipes, visit eatwellbewell.org.