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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Study: Summer Vacation May Include Unwanted Baggage

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Thursday, June 26, 2008   

St. Paul, MN – A new study finds young kids gain more weight during summer vacation than when they are in school, which could be a health risk. Researchers at Ohio State and Indiana University say five- and six-year-olds put on more weight over the break than they do during the school year.

Barbara Ducharme with the American Heart Association in Minnesota says that can lead to health problems.

"As you gain weight, your heart has to work harder. We're starting to see some of what we used to consider traditionally-adult diseases –- high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes –- in children, which are diseases that kids did not even have 20 years ago."

She adds that the extra weight doesn't come off after school starts, and can really add up, so, parents need to "weigh in" on their kids' diet and exercise habits -- the sooner the better. Ducharme believes one reason for the extra weight is not surprising - no more schools bells and activities structure by the clock.

"There's really a lack of structure during the summer months that you don't have during the school year. For example, kids may be lazing around, watching TV, playing video games, eating snacks and eating later into the evening."

Parents have a lot of say over how young kids spend their time, and Ducharme suggests exercising that influence by encouraging physical activities and serving up healthful summertime meals. And, she says, kids who are just starting school do best with motivation and company.

"You'll have the most success if this is a family-focused activity, and if you can bring the family together. Kids, especially at this age, like to do stuff with their parents. So, make this 'family fitness' rather than just 'you kids get fit.'"

She also emphasizes there are no shortcuts to helping kids develop healthy habits, and parents and schools have the strongest influence on everything from motivation to exercise to the importance of eating healthily.




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