Children are flooded with a great number of options when it comes to being active, yet very few manage to hit 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity every day. That could be part of the reason one in three children are considered overweight or obese.

And as childhood obesity rises, type 2 diabetes in children also grows in prevalence because increased body weight promotes insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin properly, causing blood glucose levels to rise. High blood glucose can result in more serious complications.

It’s crucial to avoid obesity in order to help prevent type2 diabetes since they’re known statistically to be linked. The best way to achieve that goal is to encourage children to eat healthy and stay active from the very beginning.

What child doesn’t love jump roping, playing hopscotch or riding a bicycle? Children are constantly switching from one activity to another so it should be easy for parents or teachers to take some time to discover a few activities each individual child loves and encourage them to follow through.

Remember to consider nutritional guidelines as well to support healthy habits. Sugary snacks should be replaced with healthier options. Maintain moderate food proportions with meals. And focus on small changes that will build to an overall attitude of healthier eating.

Share your own advice or thoughts with #EveryKidHealthyWeek. Every year, April 22–26 celebrates children making healthy choices for a better life.