For kids this could be a summer unlike any other, following eight weeks of staying home from school. For many, there might not be summer camp to keep them entertained and more importantly active. Doctors say this means parents are going to have to get involved in their children's health.
"I have definitely noticed a surge in the weight of my patients," says Dr. Durga Naidu, a Pediatric Cardiologist in Lafayette. "We think everyone has more time now for activity, but most of the people are staying inside and they are gaining weight."
Some of the negative health implications that come with childhood obesity include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and more, all of which Dr. Naidu says he sees in young patients now more than years ago.
This is reversible and Dr. Naidu says it is better to intervene sooner rather than later.
"I think its important for the entire family to adopt that so they won't run into issues six months or one year later. If they do not do the activity they're supposed to definitely they will run into high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes," he says.
Parents can set a good example for their children to enjoy daily activity.
"I think it is very important for all families to think about some form of activity they can do as a family. It is not just about the kids."
Dr. Naidu says even when the weather doesn't seem to permit, kids can break a sweat.
"I always bring up a discussion with simple things like a jump rope. They can do it it doesn't matter how the weather is they can even do it inside the house. I also bring up with teenagers enjoying the music and dance. That is another thing, everybody listens to music for hours. I just ask them for half an hour shut your door and dance," says Naidu.
"If you're not sweating I don't think it is a good exercise," he adds.
Hydration is also a key component to physical fitness and keeping children from snacking while they are home and bored.
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