skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

New Years Resolution: Fit Kids Start With Fit Families

play audio
Play

Friday, December 23, 2011   

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Youngsters don't often make New Year's resolutions, but considering that about 32-percent of children are overweight, parents may want to encourage them to do so.

Encouraging a healthier lifestyle for children begins with the parents, says registered dietitian Karen Stephens at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. Why wait until 2012 to ring in the New Year, she says, when people can start making small changes today.

"If people are thinking, 'Well, we'll just get through the holidays and then we'll worry about it in January,' I think it's kind of always putting it off. There's no reason to not think of it. 'OK, here we are in December. Let's make this a healthy month, too.' So when you go to the store, instead of buying chips and crackers, you buy the oranges and apples instead."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends several goals for healthier living, such as trying a new sport, drinking more milk and water while limiting soda and fruit juice, getting plenty of sleep each night, and trying new fruits and veggies.

Stephens says childhood obesity makes youngsters more susceptible to health risks, including diabetes and heart disease.

"The reality is these children will not grow out of it. Particularly if they're overweight as children and teenagers, they will tend to be overweight as adults, as well. Whatever those medical problems that may have started as children, they will continue on into adulthood."

Children need to be active for an hour a day, Stephens says, but it doesn't have to be all at once. She advises limiting screen time to less than two hours a day, which includes television, video and computer games.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021