Here's another reason to turn off the TV and get outside this summer: your screen time and exercise habits directly influence your kid's activity levels.
In a new study from Australia, children's playtime rose by 16 minutes for every hour a mother increased her activity level. For every hour moms added in screen time, children's sedentary time rose by 8 minutes. Researchers observed that mother's influence on children's screen time and activity levels began appearing when the child was two years old.
An estimated 16-33% of children and adolescents are obese in the US. Recent research suggests that childhood obesity is fueling a spike in prediabetes and cardiovascular disease risks in teens. Promoting physical activity in parents and children alike could play a significant role in preventing childhood obesity.
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