Help Your Child Build Healthy Habits
As a parent or caregiver, you want your child to be healthy, happy, and ready to enjoy all that life has to offer. Trillium Health Resources wants that, too. We encourage you to build healthy habits early to help support your child’s physical and mental well-being as they grow.
About 20 percent of children in the United States have obesity, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This affects about 14.7 million children and youth, ages 2 through 19. Children with obesity are at a higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and heart disease. They are also more likely to experience bullying, depression, and other mental health challenges.
September is National Childhood Obesity Month. It is a time to learn more about childhood obesity and the ways families can support healthy growth.
Keep Up with Your Child’s Health Care
Medicaid-eligible children may receive important preventive care and medically necessary services through Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT). EPSDT allows children to get screenings and care to identify health needs and support healthy development.
If you need help finding a provider for your child, Trillium’s Provider Directory can help you find health care professionals and other providers who serve Trillium members.
Healthy Habits are About Much More than a Number on a Scale
Your child’s healthcare provider may check their growth over time. They will check height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). BMI in children is measured based on age and sex. It is just one tool doctors use to understand growth and overall health.
It is important to keep in mind that every child grows differently. The goal is to build healthy habits that support overall health without shame or judgment. Talk with your healthcare provider about what’s right for your child and work together. If you don’t want to talk about weight in front of your child, you can give your doctor a note to ask them to not discuss it or to talk about it with the child out of the examination room.
Start With Small, Healthy Changes
If your child’s healthcare provider tells you that changes need to be made to support your child’s healthy growth, it is important to listen to their advice. You can take steps for positive change. If it seems difficult, try taking small steps first. Here are some tips you can try:
- Make healthy foods part of meals and snacks. Offer fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious choices when possible. Learn about nutrition for kids based on their age.
- Choose water more often. Water is a simple way to help your child stay hydrated while limiting sugary drinks.
- Make movement fun. Play outside, take a family walk, dance, ride bikes, or find other activities your child enjoys.
- Build healthy sleep routines. Children need enough sleep to support their growing bodies and minds.
- Make time to connect. Eating meals together, playing, and talking as a family can support emotional well-being.
- Talk about health in positive ways. Focus on feeling strong, having energy, and taking care of your body rather than focusing on weight.
These are just a few ideas. You can change them up a bit to fit your daily life. What matters is finding healthy routines that work for your family and making changes one step at a time.
Trillium is here to help members and families access care and support for the whole person. Depending on your child’s needs, this may include physical health care, behavioral health services, care management, pharmacy services, or other supports available in your community.
Support Your Child’s Whole Health
Your child’s physical health is connected to their mental and emotional health. Stress, anxiety, access to healthy food, safe places to play, and other factors can affect a child’s health and well-being. That is why it is important to look at the whole child.
If your child needs help in more than one area of their health, Trillium’s Tailored Care Management may coordinate care and connect your family with services and resources. You can also explore Tailored Care Management resources on the Trillium website or call our Member and Recipient Services Line at 1-877-685-2415.
Every Child Deserves a Chance to Thrive
Creating healthy habits is a family effort, and every family’s journey will look different. Be patient with yourself and your child. Celebrate small successes and focus on progress.
During National Childhood Obesity Month, take a moment to think about one small change your family can make to support your child’s health.
At Trillium, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, play, and thrive. When children and families have the right support, healthy communities grow stronger, too.
Resources
- Looking for inclusive, healthy activity opportunities? Visit one of Trillium’s accessible playgrounds
- EPSDT on the Trillium website
- Health Check EPSDT
- Trillium’s GrowSmart EPSDT health promotion flyer:
- National Childhood Obesity Month resources from the WIC Works Resource System of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- CDC-Recognized Family Healthy Weight Programs
- The American Academy of Pediatrics
- Guidelines for a Healthy Diet from the Mayo Clinic
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Disclaimer:
This blog is for educational purposes only. Please speak to your doctor about any health concerns.