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Extensive Screen And Couch Time Could Have Long-Term Impact On Kids’ Health

It can be hard to support healthy eating, movement and behaviors in kids, but it's extra important to do so as kids spend more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kelly Sikkema
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Unsplash
It can be hard to support healthy eating, movement and behaviors in kids, but it's extra important to do so as kids spend more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kids were suddenly spending a lot more time at home when schools closed with little notice in March. And with many students continuing to learn from home at least part-time this fall, the amount of time spent on or near a screen, snack cupboard or comfy couch continues to be above-average for many families.

On this episode of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe is joined by pediatrician Jennifer Groos for a look at how sedentary behaviors may be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these behaviors may impact the long-term health of children. Dr. Groos also offers tips and tricks for keeping your family healthy and active while staying home.

Later in the hour, sedentary behaviors specialist Lucas Carr offers tools to manage the amount of time spent sitting while working from a make-shift home office.

Guests:

  • Dr. Jennifer Groos, pediatrician at Primary Health Care in Des Moines
  • Lucas Carr, associate professor in the department of health and human physiology at the University of Iowa
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Charity Nebbe is the host of IPR's Talk of Iowa
Katelyn Harrop is a producer for IPR's River to River and Talk of Iowa