By Stephanie Schupska
University of
Georgia

Obesity isn’t only related to food consumption and portion
control. Exercise is important, too, said Judith Stern, a
University of California-Davis professor of nutrition and
internal medicine.

“I’m a nutritionist, but if you could make me queen for a day
in California, the first thing I’d do is extend the school day
to 5 p.m.,” Stern said. “We’d do physical activity for the
extra time, and then I’d set aside 20 minutes for
nutrition. … I don’t think kids play as much as they
should.”

Stern gives these tips for improving health:

1. Get the family involved in exercise. If a family is active,
a child is more likely to be active.

2. Make exercise fun. If parents and children don’t enjoy
physical activity, they won’t do it.

3. Choose the apple slices (or fruit) and milk when ordering a
kid’s meal. And buy the kid’s meal, even if you’re an adult.

4. Learn portion sizes.

5. Take responsibility for your health and your nutrition.