10 tips for healthy kids

Boomers and seniors are living longer and healthier lives than ever before - but, unfortunately, the same can't be said for their children and grandchildren. New research shows that poor eating habits and lack of exercise may have dangerous long-term consequences for today's kids -- including shorter life spans.

Here's what we know so far: today's kids are less active and they consume more sugar, junk food and processed food than previous generations. More children are overweight and obese, and these rates continue to rise.

Experts are also starting to see signs of trouble ahead. Not only are children not getting enough nutrients and exercise for optimal growth and development, they're now facing some of the same risks as adults -- like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, blocked arteries, heart disease and type-2 diabetes. In fact, some teens' health rivals that of boomer men!

However, despite the warnings, new food-labeling initiatives and educational campaigns in the past decade, a new study from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario suggests that things are actually getting worse.

The study polled 1189 parents who have children ages 6 -12 and asked about their children's diet and exercise habits. Only 13 per cent reported that their children ate five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day, down by a third from a 1998 study. The Greater Toronto Area and Northern Ontario had the lowest rates (at 7 per cent), while children in Western and Eastern Ontario were twice as likely to get their daily requirements. Furthermore, only half of parents surveyed reported that their children were eating whole grain foods. Across the province, many parents reported going without these healthy foods due to the cost.

Physical activity is also on the decline. While the majority of parents reported their children were physically active during the summer, off-season is a different story. Ten years ago, 66 per cent of parents said their child was active during the winter. Now that number has dropped to an average of 57 per cent. More parents in Eastern and Western Ontario reported higher levels of participation (at 70 and 60 per cent respectively) than parents in the GTA and Northern Ontario (50 per cent each).

These numbers aren't good, but they might actually be worse. Experts at the Hearth and Stroke Foundation warn that parents tend to be a little biased. For example, they often underestimate their children's junk food consumption, overestimate physical activity and may not recognize (or admit) that their child is overweight or obese.

So what's the remedy? Experts warn that it's time for adults and children to shape up. After all, the patterns and habits children develop now will stay with them throughout their lives.

10 tips for healthier kids

Whether they're visiting for the day or with you 24/7, here's what you can do to promote a healthy lifestyle for the children in your life:

Educate yourself. Kids rely on their care providers to give them healthy foods and opportunity for exercise, so the more you know the healthier they will be. Learning about the requirements and choices can make the difference. For instance, when it comes to fitness, experts recommend that kids get at least 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week, including activities to strengthen muscles and bones. And how about those fruits and veggies? Kids need at least four to six servings, depending on their age. At least half of their servings of grains and cereals should come from whole grains too.