Getting Kids Back to Healthy Lifestyles

Obesity in children has been increasing for several years, according to Washington Health pediatrician Dr. Rishika Singh. The key to combating this worrisome trend is for parents and other caregivers to establish a healthy lifestyle for the children in their care.

Dr. Singh will discuss how to help your child develop habits for good health at a Wednesday, May 4, Washington Health online seminar, “Healthy Lifestyles for Kids.” The free 5 p.m. Health & Wellness seminar can be accessed on Facebook.com/WashingtonHealth1 or YouTube.com/@Washington_Health.

“We have seen a significant increase in obesity in children in addition to unhealthy increases in cholesterol levels,” Dr. Singh says. Nationally, 14.7 million children are diagnosed as obese, she notes.

But it’s not just eating habits that are contributing to the decline in children’s health. She lists the lack of sufficient exercise, not enough sleep, too much screen time and stress as root causes of the decline in children’s health.

Many of these issues also apply to the whole family. “I would say about 50% of adults are living with at least one preventable chronic disease,” Dr. Singh elaborates. “It’s a nationwide problem. As much as 90% of Americans don’t eat enough vegetables and 80% don’t eat enough fruit. By making changes to the way we live, we can avoid these health issues much of the time.”

Dr. Singh will discuss her “Five Secrets to a Healthy Lifestyle” which include:

• Inspiring healthy eating habits.
• Encouraging physical activity.
• Improving sleep hygiene.
• Focusing on mental health.
• Limiting screen time.

Nationally, 35% of children ages 4-14 years lack adequate sleep and teens log an average of eight hours daily on their electronic devices. Dr. Singh will outline small steps for families and caregivers to take to improve the health of their children as well as their own health. She will discuss the vicious cycle of childhood obesity; illustrate a Kids Healthy Eating Plate; discuss age-appropriate goals for physical activity and sleep; and discuss strategies for reducing stress and improving mental health, particularly in teens.

The mental health of children and teens has declined since COVID. Dr. Singh says, “We developed — or significantly expanded — screenwatching habits then and have not returned to the patterns of pre-COVID behavior. This leads to a sedentary lifestyle rather than the active life that’s important for children’s development and health.”

Stress and anxiety have increased in children and teens. “It isn’t just one thing that’s increasing stress and anxiety but usually a little bit of many things. Getting everyone, not just teens, off screens and into more physical activity will go a long way to improve everyone’s health,” she adds.

“By empowering our children with the tools for healthy living, we unlock their potential to live their best lives.” Dr. Singh summarizes, “I am passionate about teaching children — and their families — healthy habits that are fun and easy to maintain. I want to equip my patients and their families with the knowledge they need to make the right decisions for them when it comes to leading a healthier life.”

To learn more about Dr. Singh and the Washington Health Medical Group Pediatrics Team, visit mywtmf.com/find-a-doctor/rishika-singh-md/