Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Move Together, Grow Together 

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of healthy habits and creating supportive environments where children can grow, move, and thrive.

When we talk about preventing childhood obesity, the conversation doesn't have to be about weight. It can be about something much more positive: helping our children build healthy habits, enjoy movement, spend time outdoors, and feel connected to their families and community. And it doesn't have to be complicated.

Movement Can Be Family Time

In our busy lives, it can be easy for family time to get pushed aside. Between work, school, activities, errands, and screens, finding time to simply be together can sometimes feel difficult. But family time doesn't have to mean planning a big outing. A walk around the community, playing outside, exploring a trail, riding bikes, or spending a few minutes together outdoors can all count.

Movement can be more than exercise. It can be a way to connect.

Being active helps children build strong muscles and bones, develop coordination and balance, support heart health, and establish healthy habits from a young age. When children see the adults around them making time to move, they also learn that physical activity can be a normal and enjoyable part of everyday life.

Get Outside & Explore What's Around You

You don't need a gym or a large park to be active. Our community has open spaces and trails that can provide opportunities to walk, explore, play, and enjoy the outdoors together. Sometimes, the best opportunities for movement are right outside our doors. Getting outdoors also gives children space to use their imagination, explore their surroundings, take a break from screens, and simply be kids.

As you spend time outdoors, remember to be aware of your surroundings and choose areas where you and your family feel comfortable and safe. Keep children within sight, stay together when possible, and use extra care when exploring unfamiliar areas.

Movement Supports More Than Physical Health

Being active together can also support our mental and emotional well-being. Movement can provide a healthy way to manage everyday stress, improve mood, and take a mental break. Family activities can also create natural opportunities to talk, listen, laugh, and connect. Sometimes the best conversations happen while you're walking beside your child, playing a game, or sitting outside together. Even 10–20 minutes of intentional time together can make a difference. 

You don't need expensive equipment, a structured workout, or hours of free time. Start small. Take a short walk after dinner. Play outside before bedtime. Let your child choose the activity. Put the phones away and spend a few minutes together outdoors.

Small moments can become lasting habits and memories.