Hamilton Partners for Healthy Weights - It's the Daily Things that Count

	Make Time to Walk to School! Less than half of Canadian children regularly walk or cycle to school. Could you get your children there without a car? Leave the house a couple of minutes earlier in the morning or park a couple of blocks away from the school and walk the rest of the way - it’s the daily things that count

	Encourage Daily Physical Activity! How much time does your child spend sitting each day? Nine out of ten Canadian children spend so much time seated that they don’t get enough daily physical activity. Make your family’s leisure time, active time - it’s the daily things that count.

	Reduce Screen Time - Play Outside! On average, Canadian children spend 35 hours a week in front of TV and computer screens. It’s like a full time job. Turn off the screens. Get outside and be physically active with your family - it’s the daily things that count.

	Go for Green and Orange More Often! Over 60% of Canadian children are not eating enough vegetables and fruit. Healthy eating means enjoying meals and snacks rich in colorful fruits and vegetables! Leave the chips, pop, chocolate, and candy at the store - it’s the daily things that count.

	Bring the Family Back to the Dinner Table! Children who eat dinner at home with their families less than three times a week are more likely to be overweight. How often does your family eat dinner together? Enjoy preparing and eating meals at home more often - it’s the daily things that count.

	Ask Your Family Doctor about Your Child’s Weight Research suggests that often parents can’t tell if their children are overweight or obese. Only 9% of parents with children under the age of 18 years identify their children as overweight or obese. Yet 26% of Canadian children between the ages of 2-17 years are overweight or obese. Weight and height measurements can be taken and monitored on an ongoing basis by your family doctor - it’s the daily things that count.

	Kick the Can! Take charge of your family’s beverage choices. Giving a child a can of pop a day is like feeding them 72 cups of sugar a year. Stop the pop and other sugar-sweetened drinks. Serve water or milk instead. Help your family make healthier choices every single day - it’s the daily things that count.