A parent's guide to 24/7 Let's Go!

Tragically, more and more American kids are becoming obese. And overweight children are more likely to develop serious health problems, including coronary disease and respiratory illness.

All parents want their children to be healthy. Healthy, active kids do better in school and better in life. But in today's world, there never seems to be enough time to prepare the right foods and to make sure your kids get enough exercise.

That's where 24/7 Let's Go! comes in. Developed by nurses, healthcare professionals and teachers, 24/7 Let's Go! is an easy, fun way to encourage kids to make healthy choices every day.

The goal is to get kids to take seven positive steps a day and get rewarded with a sticker for each one of those steps. Week by week, they'll fill up their charts and build up their bodies. And over time, they'll gradually develop a better, healthier lifestyle. Their self-esteem will rise, and so will their grades - it's been shown in study after study that active, healthy kids perform better in school.

Your children will need help and encouragement. Make it fun. Have a jump rope contest. See how many jumping jacks they can do during TV commercial breaks. Instead of chips as an after-school snack, offer fruits and vegetables cut into different shapes. Have a special "no fast food" day every week. And you should join in too - kids learn by example.

24 Ideas for 24/7

Visit the KIDS page for a list of fun, easy ways to make 24/7 Let's Go! work for your child.