Early Learning Project
September 2006Childhood Obesity Darla Castelli
Online Resources
- Childhood Obesity Project
Suggestions for meal planning, recipes, and healthy physical activities are listed on this site sponsored by INCCRRA in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services.
http://www.ilqualitycounts.com/resources/childhood-obesity-project
- The Epidemic of Childhood Obesity: Review of Research and Implications for Public Policy
This report from the Society for Research in Child Development reviews medical and psychosocial risks associated with obesity in children, reviews prevention and intervention efforts, and makes recommendations based on the research conclusions.
http://srcd.org/documents/publications/SPR/spr20-2.pdf - 22-Year Study Shows That Young Kids Are Now More Likely to Be Overweight
This Harvard Medical School press release discusses a study that found that infants, as well as preschoolers, are at risk for obesity.
http://web.med.harvard.edu/sites/RELEASES/html/8_09Gillman.html - Childhood Overweight Overview
The Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children provides links to background information, prevention, intervention, and more related to children’s obesity.
http://www.clocc.net/coo/index.html - What Do I Need to Know about Physical Development in Young Children?
This IEL resource includes information on expected physical development of children birth to 5, as well as resources for Illinois parents of children who may have special developmental needs.
http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/faqs/physicaldev.htm - Helping Your Child: Tips for Parents
Parents can find tips on encouraging healthy eating and exercise habits in their families on this Weight-Control Information Network Web site.
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/child.htm
Spanish: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/su_hijo.htm - Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids—A Nutrition and Activity Guide for Parents
This American Dietetic Association Web site includes information on ways parents can help if they are concerned about their child’s weight.
http://www.wellpointfoundation.org/noapplication/f0/s0/t0/pw_a116208.pdf
Spanish:http://www.wellpointfoundation.org/noapplication/f0/s0/t0/pw_a122580.pdf - Physical Activities and Healthy Snacks for Young Children (PDF)
http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/hsmrs/Iowa/Physical_Activities_%20Healthy_Snacks.pdf - 25 Healthy Snacks for Kids
http://www.eatright.org/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=10825&libID=10823
Spanish: http://www.eatright.org/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=10325 - Fitness and Your 4- to 5-Year-Old
This Nemours Foundation Web site suggests ways that parents can encourage children to participate in physical activities to promote good health.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/staying_fit/fitness_4_5.html - Promoting Physical Activity in Children
This digest discusses socialization factors that affect a child’s involvement in physical activities. These factors include parent activity levels and direct support from significant others such as parents, brothers and sisters, and close friends.
http://www.ericdigests.org/2000-3/activity.htm - Growing Up Fit: Preschool Fitness Activities
In this online publication, parents and teachers can find movement and balance activities for preschoolers.
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1359B.pdf - Keeping Kids Active: Ideas for Parents
Children usually love to play, but without encouragement, they may choose less-active play. Here are suggestions for parents on how they can help children stay active.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fitness/FL00030 - The Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children
This U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid focuses on young children's food preferences and nutritional requirements.
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/Resources/mpk_poster.pdf - Recipes for Kids
Letting children help with food and meal preparation is a great way to encourage them to try new foods and think about nutrition. This site includes recipes for children with special health concerns, such as diabetes.
http://kidshealth.org/kid/recipes/index.html
Illinois Early Learning Tip Sheets
- Physical Fitness for Preschool-Age Children
http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/fitness-preschool.htm - Physical Fitness for Toddlers
http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/fitness.htm - Is My Child OK?
http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/normaldev.htm - Building Endurance: Let's Get Physical!
http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/endurance.htm - Games for All Young Children
http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/games.htm - Say Yes to Healthy Snacks!
http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/healthysnacks.htm
Organizations
- Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program
245 W. Exchange Street, Suite 4
Sycamore, IL 60178
Telephone: 815-895-9227
http://www.kidseatwell.org - Illinois Interagency Nutrition Council
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
122 Mumford Hall
1301 W. Gregory Street
Urbana, IL 61801
http://inc.aces.illinois.edu - Healthy Meals Resource System
Food and Nutrition Information Center
National Agricultural Library
10301 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 105
Beltsville, MD 20705-235
http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?
info_center=14&tax_level=1
ERIC Database: Selected Records
To search the ERIC database for resources on this topic, use this search strategy: preschool children or young children. Combine with nutrition or eating habits or physical fitness or exercise.
How to Obtain ERIC Documents and Journal Articles:
References identified with an ED (ERIC document)or EJ (ERIC journal) are cited in the ERIC database. ERIC Documents (citations identified by an ED number) may be available in full text from ERIC at no cost at the ERIC Web site: http://www.eric.ed.gov. Journal articles are available from the original journal, interlibrary loan services, or article reproduction clearinghouses.
If you would like to conduct your own free ERIC database searches via the Internet, go directly to http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/basic.jsp
- ERIC Journal No.: EJ621998
Helping Children to Eat Right. Nutrition, Health, and Safety
Author(s): Johnson, Susan
Source: Journal of Early Education and Family Review, v8 n3 p30-31 Jan-Feb 2001
Publication Date: 2001
Abstract: This article asserts that children have the ability to control their caloric intake when they are permitted to follow their internal hunger cues. It advises serving a variety of foods and encouraging outdoor physical activity to avoid childhood obesity. - ERIC Document No.: ED439097
Preschool Movement Programs: Designing Developmentally Appropriate, Inclusive Curricula and Games
Author(s): McCall, Renee; Craft, Diane H.
Publication Date: March 25, 2000
Availability: Full text available: search by ED number at http://www.eric.ed.gov/
Abstract: Preschool children need instruction in movement in order to become skillful movers. A child-centered approach emphasizes activities that are child initiated and teacher facilitated, enabling each child to achieve specific goals and objectives. The program adapts continually and creates equipment to enable students with limited mobility to function more independently. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ602128
The Basics of Exercising the Mind and Body
Author(s): Leppo, Marjorie L.; Davis, Diane; Crim, Bruce
Source: Childhood Education, v76 n3 p142-47 Spr 2000
Publication Date: 2000
Abstract: This article explains how movement stimulates cognitive development, the role of aerobic activity, and the importance of skill development. It offers suggestions for enhancing preschool motor learning experiences, practicing movement fundamentals, reinforcing classroom activities through movement, and building a foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
NOTE: There may be publications on this page that are available as PDF (portable document format) files. To be able to read these files, download the free Adobe Reader.
Illinois State Board of Education
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