Childhood obesity is a serious issue that has increased fivefold in the last 50 years. Today, one in three children in the United States is classified as overweight or obese. A variety of behaviors are linked to obesity in children, including lack of physical activity, diet, sleep and the amount of screen time a child gets. And suggests another factor 麻豆精品 S the lack of daily structure and routine, which unfortunately is the new normal for children during COVID-19.

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Children, especially, need a regular schedule to set their internal biological clocks. They do best and are healthiest when they have consistent eating schedules, bed/wake times, and activity opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to help them by scheduling learning, lunch and outside activities at the same time every day 麻豆精品 S whether our children are attending school in-person or doing virtual learning at home. Setting such a schedule keeps your child 麻豆精品 S檚 internal clock on track.

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As parents and caregivers, we must recognize the importance of a daily routine for our children. Such routine is more vital now than ever before. Building an environment that encourages routine will help keep children healthy during COVID-19 and tackle childhood obesity.

COVID-19 health tips are brought to you by UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Academic Health Sciences Center (AHSC), which includes the Colleges of Health Professions and Sciences (CHPS), Medicine, Nursing and Student Health Services. All COVID-19 tips appear .