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CHP+ SAYS TO PLAY HARD, EAT WELL AND STAY STRONG

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Contributed by: Tammy Stratton on 7/16/2008

CHP+ REMINDS COLORADO KIDS TO PLAY HARD, EAT WELL
AND STAY STRONG

DENVER - July 2008 - According to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, Colorado has at least 300 days of sunshine a year. With such beautiful weather it's no wonder that Coloradans consistently are ranked among the most fit in the nation. . Unfortunately, despite all the bike riding, hiking and skiing, Colorado's obesity rates are trending upward with the rest of the nation.

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in Colorado. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in 2005 nearly 29 percent of Colorado children ages 2 to14 were considered overweight or at risk for being overweight.

"Obesity puts kids at risk for serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma and others. As parents, we need to take steps to teach our children about the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle," said Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien. "Child Health Plan Plus is a low-cost resource for parents, providing children with access to health care, including information about nutritional assessments and weight management plans."

Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is the State's free-to-low-cost health and dental insurance program for uninsured Colorado children ages 18 and under whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance. CHP+ pays for many health services for children including physicals, immunizations (shots), medications, well-child check ups, vision and hearing care, behavioral care, visits to the emergency room and doctor visits. CHP+ also offers comprehensive health care benefits to pregnant women through the CHP+ Prenatal Care Program. With the CHP+ Prenatal Care Program, prenatal care visits are free.

The American Heart Association has the following suggestions for raising heart-healthy, active children.
• Help your children develop good physical activity habits at an early age by setting a good example yourself. Practice heart-healthy habits.
• Limit television, movies, videos and computer games to less than two hours a day. Substitute the rest of leisure time with physical activity.
• Plan family outings and vacations that involve vigorous activities such as hiking, bicycling, skiing, swimming, etc.
• Give your children some household chores that require physical exertion, keeping in mind their levels of strength, coordination and maturity. Mowing lawns, raking leaves, scrubbing floors and taking out the garbage not only teach responsibility but can be good exercise.
• Observe sports and activities your children like, then find out about lessons and clubs. Some children thrive on team sports; others prefer individual activities. Some activities, like tennis and swimming, can be enjoyed for a lifetime and are much easier to learn during childhood.
• If it's safe to walk or bike rather than drive, do so. Use stairs instead of elevators and escalators. Increase the distances you and your children walk.
• Stay involved in your child's physical education classes at school. At daycare, make sure the kids exercise at least 20 minutes a day.
• Choose fitness-oriented gifts -- a jump rope, mini-trampoline, tennis racket, baseball bat, a youth membership at the local YMCA or YWCA.
• Take advantage of your city's recreation opportunities -- from soccer leagues to fun runs. Check out the various camps or organizations like the Sierra Club that sponsor outdoor activities such as camping, hiking trips and bird watching.
• When your children are bored, suggest something that gets them moving, like playing catch or building a snowman in the yard.

Help keep Colorado kids healthy! For more information in English and Spanish about CHP+ eligibility or to get an application visit www.CHPplus.org. Families can also call toll free at 1-800-359-1991.
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CONTRIBUTOR INFO

Tammy Stratton

Denver , CO

Tammy Stratton has posted 403 stories and 0 comments since joining on 4/21/2008. Tammy Stratton 's average story rating is 1.5.

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