Today's "Good Health Minute"

Wednesday, March 10th

…. and March is National Nutrition month.

The weight and waistlines of America’s children are rapidly expanding.  Thirty (30) percent of children ages 6-19 are overweight, and this percentage is even higher in North Carolina.  The reason is simple.  We are consuming more calories than we burn.  Here are a few ways to stop this growing trend:

• Decrease that portion size.  The normal fast food meal of 20 years ago is the same portion size as today’s “Kids Meal”. A kid’s meal contains more than enough calories for an adult.
   

• Limit sugar sweetened drinks and snacks.  What was an occasional treat in the past is now an everyday, every meal norm- often with free refills.
   

• Soft drinks and energy drinks can contain anywhere from 14 to 21 teaspoons of sugar.  Knocking back a 20oz bottle of Fanta Orange  is the same as chowing down on around 21 teaspoons of sugar.

For more information, call our Nutrition Center at 401-8450.

The "Good Health Minute" is a public service designed to offer health information. It is not intended to replace the advice/care of a physician. As with any health information you may receive, always consult
your physician to determine the best plan of care for you.