As a parent you build in a routine of regular doctors visits and dental exams to keep loved ones healthy. Make sure you’re also checking in regularly on your family’s nutritional health.

The rates of childhood obesity are on the rise. Weight can be a delicate issue between parent and child, but good health is not. Eating healthful foods most of the time and weighing an appropriate weight are health issues. Being overweight increases one’s chance of developing a multitude of diseases including heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, arthritis and sleep disorders.
One of the most important things you can do to prevent weight gain and disease in your kids is to lead by example. Be a great role model for your children; they’re watching and learning even when you think they’re not paying attention!

The modern family is not just parents and kids, elderly grandparents are often also part of the equation, sometime a forgotten part of the equation. Appropriate nutrition is crucial in this age group. While overweight is a concern in this population too, they are also at risk for deficiencies and dehydration.

There are a lot of resources for improving the health in all your young and old family members. Seek out information, become educated and ask for assistance and referrals from your pediatrician and family physician.