Family Healthy & Nutrition

Sorting through nutrition and health advice can be overwhelming.  As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to know which recommendations are best for your family. That's why the NCH Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County, in partnership with physicians, dietitians, nurses, and fitness experts, promotes a simple message to help families build healthy habits: 9-5-2-1-0, Let’s Go! 

9 = Get 9 hours of sleep each night.

5 = Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

2 = Limit screen time (television, internet, video games) to 2 hours or less each day.

1 = Be physically active for at least 1 hour every day.

0 = Choose water instead of sugary drinks (avoid soda, juice, energy drinks, etc.) and avoid tobacco.

Let’s Go! 

Help your children learn this simple message by displaying it at home where they will see if often, such as on the refrigerator, near televisions and computers, or in other visible places around your home. Set goals together and lead by example. Celebrate successes, encourage one another, and make healthy living a family activity. Share the message with friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and challenge others to join you. 

Consider giving children stickers, gold stars, or other small rewards when they meet their goals. Plan a special family reward after practicing 9-5-2-1-0, Let's Go! for a month or longer. Try fun challenges such as a water-only week, a screen-free evening, a family walking challenge, or trying a new fruit or vegetable each week. Make it a friendly household competition and celebrate your successes together!

What's the reward?  More energy, better health, and the confidence that you are helping your children develop lifelong healthy habits. 

What are we waiting for? Let’s Go!

For more information about 9-5-2-1-0, Let’s Go!  visit www.LetsGo.org.