Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Two new ads are hitting television sets around the Intermountain West, drawing attention to children. The first of the two shows children rifling through convenience store goodies, loading up on treats.
Locke Ettinger, director of health promotion for Intermountain Healthcare, says as a boy approaches the register and is being rang up, he's taken back by a new realization. "The kid sees himself in the future, maybe being like this clerk."
Call it an "ah-ha" moment, but the message is clear. "The little things you do today, like activity and what we eat, make a difference in what we might be in the future," he says.
Ettinger says obesity is the precursor to many diseases, making diabetes one of the major growing health concerns among children. "It's devastating when a child has diseases that could be prevented because of lifestyle."
Just a slight change of perspective could make all the difference, Ettinger says. "We should always feel positive about nutrition, positive about physical activity and not make it something that's a chore."
The second advertisement begins with these words: "Wouldn't video games be easier? A recliner, a bag of chips and a remote won't cause you pain or discouragement." It's a message from peers saying you don't have to be the best, just be active.
Ettinger says research has shown children who are active, eat healthy and get a good night's sleep perform better in end-of-level testing in school. So whether it's sports, riding their bikes or going for a walk, Ettinger says children should get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day. "It doesn't matter how you are active, just be active. Don't tell your kids to go out there. Go play with them. Give them the tools needed in order to live the healthiest lives possible," he says.
Watch the video for a preview or click to watch "Confidence" or "The Future." Jenniffer Michaelson is a special projects producer who heads up the Your Life Your Health, Zero Fatalities and High 5 initiatives. For questions, feedback or possible story ideas, please email jmichaelson@ksl.com.
