Parents Have Key Role in Battle Against Childhood Obesity and Poor Dental Care

STOCKPORT, U.K. - Oct. 30, 2015 - PRLog -- No more excuses! Parents have got to start taking responsibility for their role in protecting their children from the growing health threats of tooth decay and child obesity, said Val Jackson, chief executive of children’s charity Action for Sick Children.

“Yes, of course we understand the pressures of modern living and its impact on families,” she said, speaking from her High Lane, Stockport HQ after reading yet another report about child tooth decay.

“Parents and guardians may not be able to oversee their child’s behaviour when they are away from home. Nevertheless they can instil the basic rules of health awareness to ensure they eat sensibly, without piling on the pounds or failing to protect their teeth, with regular brushing and sensible eating.

“We fully understand that the modern parent is under tremendous pressure, often working very hard to combine the demands of child care and work. However child obesity and poor dental hygiene are serious issues.”

Miss Jackson is convinced that the growing problems of tooth decay and obesity in children are about much more than just sugar and junk food.

“It’s also about lifestyle choices made within the home,” said Miss Jackson.. “Parents must take an active part in their children’s lives as well as listening to them and talking with them regularly.

“Communication is essential to giving your children the benefit of your own experiences in life. Why not put a limit on the time they can spend on the computer or iPhone? That way you could use the time to take them for a walk and talk instead. Encourage them to do more outside including sporting activities.

“Try to organise meal times that include the whole family sitting around the table and talking. That way you can all talk about your day, its ups and downs, celebrate achievements no matter how small, as well as passing on advice about sensible eating and a reminder about the importance of looking after your teeth.”

Action for Sick Children runs the successful Dental Playbox project which uses fun, games, puppets and laughter to teach children the basics of caring for the health of their teeth.

For further information about Action for Sick Children by clicking  onto: www.actionforsickchildren.org.uk

ENDS