5-2-1-0 strategy to better health

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is a paid advertiser of Sonoran Living Live

Keeping kids healthy in today's fast-paced world can be a challenge for parents. Junk food is marketed directly to kids and many schools have cut back on physical education programs due to budget cuts. Kids are more likely to surf the web after school than to ride bikes, and all of these factors are contributing to kids' growing waistlines.
Fortunately, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is sharing four easy goals that will aid parents' efforts to raise healthy kids - it's called the 5-2-1-0 program. It's simple to remember but it can make a big difference.
Five - Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. This is especially important because a child's growing body needs the nutrients found in fresh produce. This is also a good source of fiber.
Two - Limit screen time to less than two hours per day. Any parent will tell you that this is a challenge, but keeping kids away from the TV, computer and mobile devices can be well worth the effort.
One - Get at least one hour of physical activity per day. Better yet, bicycle or play ball with them for some quality family time and exercise combined. Keeping kids active physically will help them maintain a healthy weight by burning calories, and will also boost their brainpower.
Zero - Aim for zero sugared soft drinks and fruit juices. These empty calories contribute to weight gain and have a lot more sugar than you might think. Instead of a glass of apple or orange juice, eat an apple or orange, it's healthier.
The 5-2-1-0 recommendations were developed by pediatricians as a result of the childhood obesity epidemic in America. Over the past 30 years, the U.S. has seen its youth obesity rate triple, and that is contributing to long-term health problems such as diabetes.
Following these guidelines is especially important because creating healthy habits at a young age is the best way to create healthy adults.
*This is not a medical recommendation, anyone with concerns or questions about their health should contact their physician. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Learn more about 5-2-1-0 on the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Facebook page or at WalkOnAZ.com

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is a paid advertiser of Sonoran Living Live