Make Halloween healthy for Georgia kids

Released on = January 24, 2005, 11:29 am

Press Release Author = Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR)

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Oct. 27, 2004 -- This Halloween, give trick-or-treaters snacks that are ‘good to eat’ and healthy too! The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR), Division of Public Health, is encouraging Georgians to make Halloween a healthy holiday for kids.

Press Release Body = ATLANTA (GA) -- This Halloween, give trick-or-treaters snacks that are ‘good to eat’ and healthy too! The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR), Division of Public Health, is encouraging Georgians to make Halloween a healthy holiday for kids.

“Halloween can indeed be a tricky time as some kids overindulge on snacks loaded with fat and calories,” said Carol Steiner, acting director for DHR Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “This holiday provides an ideal opportunity for parents to promote moderation as part of a healthy diet and introduce snacking
alternatives to their children.”

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) offers the following suggestions for
non-traditional but nutritious Halloween goodies:
• Mini-rice cereal bites
• Packages of trail mix or nuts
• Cereal bars
• Small boxes of raisins
• Small packages of dried fruit
• Sugar-free gum
• Mini juice boxes
• Snack-size packages of peanut butter and crackers, graham crackers or oatmeal cookies

Non-food treats also can replace some spooky snacks. Instead of candy, consider Halloween pencils, pens, stickers, tattoos or spider rings. If you decide to give out candy, try mini-candy bars and treats with nuts for added nutritional value. Parents also should set guidelines for their children on how much and when candy can
be consumed.

Limiting children’s consumption of candy and other sweets on Halloween, and year-round, will significantly reduce the number of kids who are overweight or obese. In Georgia, about 11 percent of school-age children are overweight, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Studies show that Georgia kids are not getting the recommended five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables or three glasses of milk each day. More than 83 percent of children statewide are not eating enough fruits or veggies while 87 percent do not drink enough milk. In addition, nearly 13 percent of Georgia kids say they do not participate in any vigorous or moderate physical activity.

The Georgia DHR is addressing the childhood obesity epidemic and sedentary youth lifestyles by promoting physical activity, a well-balanced diet and routine physical examinations as part of healthy living.

For more information on nutrition and childhood obesity, visit
http://health.state.ga.us.

###

Web Site = http://health.state.ga.us

Contact Details = For information, contact:
Richard Quarterone
DHR, Division of Public Health
404/463-4627
rquartarone@dhr.state.ga.us


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