Doctor offers tips for making healthy choices – KSAT San Antonio

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Doctor offers tips for making healthy choices – KSAT San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO – Despite statistics showing that childhood obesity has started to level off, it’s not enough to make a difference, said Dr. Amelie Ramirez, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

“Childhood obesity has tripled in the last 20 to 30 years, and we’re seeing higher rates in our Hispanic children. Their rates are almost at about 40 percent,” Ramirez said.

With parents and children leading busy lives, the chances of them choosing healthy foods are low because of the time it takes to prepare the foods.

“They are spending more time indoors. On their computers, on their iPads or their iPhones, and so we are trying to counter that with a program called Salud America.”

Salud America is a national research network program that provides families and communities with information they can use to get healthy. The program is using San Antonio as a role model.

“Our farmers markets are coming to town in areas that have been food deserts, she said. “We’re seeing some of our schools that are offering fun things, like mud runs for kids, so they become more active.”

Ramirez said people can eat healthy by staying away from the middle aisles at the grocery store, where junk food is prevalent.

“Try to shop on the outside perimeters of your grocery store where you can see your fruits and vegetables and your dairy products,” Ramirez said.

She encourages parents to have their children help them prepare healthy meals, have a healthy snack when picking them up from after-school activities. Making a game of reading food labels and limiting time spent on TV, computer and video games are also good ideas. Ramirez also suggests families spend more time outdoors, like at a park.

Ramirez and Salud America have been working with schools to get healthier foods in cafeterias and to encourage more exercise.

They’re also working on implementing shared-use agreements with schools that would allow people to use school facilities if they don’t feel their neighborhoods are safe enough to exercise outside.

Copyright 2016 by KSAT – All rights reserved.

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