Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Promoting healthier lifestyles for parents and children
The New York Times reports on a study that shows that even if parents follow a healthy diet, their children may not follow their example. Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health studied 2,291 parents, and 2,692 children and published their research in Social Science and Medicine.
Researchers found that by tracking eating habits with questionnaires there was little relationship between parent and child diets. The research also found that the older children got the less like their parents they were in eating habits.
Parent and child dietary intake
According to the article, Parent-Child dietary intake resemblance in the U.S.: Evidence from a large representative survey, published in Social Science and Medicine, the study used research collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture between 1994-96. The study found that children and parents had different diets, although there was more similarity between the diets of mothers and children than fathers and children.
The study also found the results were different across ethnic groups and economic differences.
AMA Guidelines
The American Medical Association (AMA) has developed guidelines for parents and children to follow that ensures a long and healthy life. They’ve identified four key health behaviors that are a good place to start.
- developing a healthy diet and eating habits
- promoting physical activity
- stopping tobacco use
- limiting alcohol intake
According to the AMA website, resources are available to help parents and children improve their lifestyles. The website offers a self-assessment questionnaire to help determine what next steps are necessary; action plans; and progress tracking calendars. The website also offers suggestions for how to stop smoking, to cut back on drinking alcohol, and a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator to determine if the parent and child have a healthy ratio of weight compared to their height, sex, and recommendations from physicians.
Healthy Eating
The AMA recommends these dietary eating habits:
- make small changes to your diet over time
- eat 1-2 cups of fruit a day
- eat 2-4 cups of vegetables a day
- eat mostly whole grains
- avoid trans fats and saturated fats
- limit salty and sugary foods
- keep total amount of calories to what is right for your height and weight
- snack on fruit instead of sugary snacks
- drink water instead of soda or juice
- eat only half the food you get at a restaurant
- don’t add salt to food
- limit your snacks or dessert to one a day
- read labels to find out how much sugar, salt, or trans fats are in food you buy
- look for recipes to make at home that are healthier but fun to eat
- eat slowly so your body has time to recognize that you are full
- remind yourself this is not a diet but healthier eating so you don’t feel deprived
When you are interviewing personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you've obtained, and do you have experience with burn accidents involving children? The Kiley Law Group located in Andover, Massachusetts takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now for a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-208-1695.
