The number of overweight children is growing at an alarming rate. Between 1981
and 1996, the rate of obesity in Canadian children more than doubled.
Type 2 diabetes, which was once a disease found only in adults, is becoming much
more common in children and youth. This is primarily due to an increasingly
inactive lifestyle and a diet high in fats and processed foods, which makes
children overweight and more prone to health problems.
To help prevent diabetes, it is important that children are encouraged to adopt
a more nutritious diet and an active lifestyle.
| • | limiting the amount of junk food in
your house
|
| • | limiting the amount of time
your child spends in front of the TV and computer
|
| • | making it fun to be active -
try planning outdoor activities that you can enjoy as a family
|