All materials found on this page come from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation website.
Everyday in the United States 53 million people go to school to work or to learn. That’s about one in five Americans who will spend around 30 hours of their week in a school. As a result, schools are a powerful way to shape the health, education and well-being of Americans.
The Situation in Schools Today
Approximately 20 percent of American students are overweight. Students have fewer opportunities to exercise and play because standardized testing and budget cuts have resulted in physical and health education being taken out of the busy school day. Additionally, candy, soft drinks and unhealthy food are available on campuses, making it difficult to eat right.
Teachers and staff are under increasing pressure and do not receive the support or resources they need to be healthy and to act as positive role models for students.
The Alliance Has a Plan
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation Healthy Schools Program provides real tools and solutions for schools to become healthier places for students and teachers, without creating budget problems.
Empower Your Children
Helping your kids get and stay healthy isn’t always easy. It’s hard for them to resist the unhealthy snacks, sodas and fast food that seem to be all around them. It’s also tough to get them away from the television and computer screens and find places for them to play and exercise.
But we can’t ignore the serious health consequences of kids eating badly and not moving enough. By empowering your children to make better choices now, you can have a huge impact on their health and quality of life in the future.
To learn more about the risks of childhood obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, click here.
You Can Do It
The good news is that small changes often make a huge difference. Focus on a few areas for improvement and you’ll run into less resistance from your children, but still have a positive impact on their health.
Help Children Make the Right Choices
The best way to make your children healthier is to help THEM take charge of their own health. You can influence what they eat, where they eat, and encourage them to play and exercise more. You may not be able to control everything, but by making healthy choices when and where you can, you’ll gradually see some positive changes.
Set a Good Example
You can also help by setting a good example. Have your child set a goal that both of you can aim for together. For example, if he or she wants to try to eat more vegetables, make sure you’re eating those veggies too.
We have created a cool sticker chart for you to help encourage and track healthy behaviors with your children. Click to download your sticker chart
Alliance for a Healthier Generation Kids' Site
A special site, created by the Alliance, that's just for kids. It features games, videos, and fun ways for kids to get involved in creating a healthier generation. Learn More.
We Are Here to Help You
Parents are so important in the fight against childhood obesity. That’s why the Alliance for a Healthier Generation has the following tools and resources for parents to use on the front lines--when eating out, at home, at school, and at the doctor's. Centers For Disease Control Press Release
Overall Guidelines for Snack Foods
