Back to School with Healthy Habits

As kids head back to school, add healthy snacks to your list of school supplies.

Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers. I’m the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIH.

It’s important for teens to make healthy food choices, especially those with type 2 diabetes. If they build healthy eating and physical activity habits in their youth, they have a better chance of avoiding complications like heart disease and high blood pressure down the line.

The start of a new school year marks a good time to remember that kids need snacks that fuel their brains and their bodies, such as

• Fresh or frozen fruit with plain or low-fat yogurt, or
• A cup of fresh veggies with salsa – carrots and cucumbers are great

Don’t forget to hydrate! Kids and adults alike should choose drinks that are low in sugar and salt to go with their snacks.

For more information, follow us @NIDDKgov. This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers.