We Can! Help Busy Parents

If you are like most parents, it is often difficult to maintain balance in today's fast-paced world. Encouraging children to make healthy food choices, move more, and reduce time spent watching television is not easy, while balancing all of life's other demands. That is why NHLBI and three other Institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are collaborating to spread the word that We Can! help parents improve children's health.

Today, about 16 percent of U.S. children are overweight; this number has more than doubled in the past 30 years. And, these extra pounds can add up to health problems, often for life.

We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition) is a national program designed as a one-stop resource for parents and caregivers interested in practical tools to help children 8-13 years old stay at a healthy weight. Tips and fun activities offered to parents, health care providers, and community groups focus on three critical behaviors: improved food choices, increased physical activity and reduced screen time.

Check out We Can! at http://wecan.nhlbi.nih.gov or toll-free 866-35-WE CAN (866-359-3226).

We Can! Families Finding the Balance: A Parent Handbook (English)

Parents can make a big difference in their child’s health by making small lifestyle changes. Learn fun and practical tips to help your family find the right balance of eating well and being physically active to maintain a healthy weight with this colorful easy-to-read handbook! You can start using the real-life strategies today and begin to see a difference tomorrow. Learn about the Go, Slow, and Whoa foods, proper portion size, and how to turn screen time into fun active time. Community planners or health care professionals may wish to order copies to share with parents at community events, or with patients. Take a look inside for helpful information or Item #05-5273

We Can! Wristband (Adult and Youth) You and your children can wear your support for a healthier future for America’s children on your wrist. Each wristband comes in sky blue and is stamped with the We Can! logo. Share them with your friends, coworkers, and family – and help show them it's cool to have a "can do" attitude towards maintaining a healthy weight! Adults Item #56-260N Youth Item #56-261N Both Adult and Youth wristbands are.