Newswise — Jill Birnbaum, Executive Director of Voices for Healthy Kids, issued the following statement on the progress made in Colorado to ensure all children grow up at a healthy weight by issuing new rules on nutrition, physical activity and screen time in child care facilities.

“Colorado is setting young children up for a healthier life with new standards in nutrition, physical activity and screen time. With more than 104,000 children ages birth to five attending Colorado’s 1350 early care and education facilities, ensuring they are fed nutritious foods and get adequate time for active play is critical to their physical, mental and emotional well-being. We know this will have a direct impact on the heart and brain health of children across Colorado and we will work with other states to follow their lead.

Going above national standards, we are pleased to see Colorado setting limits on sugary drinks provided to children. All facilities will provide children with water and low-fat milk as a key strategy to help kids’ hearts grow up strong and healthy. Colorado has an opportunity to strengthen their physical activity standards to ensure kids get the much needed running, jumping and playing that keeps their hearts healthy. Optimal health in children requires at least sixty minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day to give kids the best start in life.”

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