By the Numbers: Dog and Kids

Between the fittest dogs in this issue and our expanding coverage of kids and families, we found some numbers that are worth howling about.

42
Percentage of dogs that sleep in the same bed with their owners, up from 34 percent in 1998

30
Percentage of children and adolescents who were overweight or obese in 2008

40
Percentage of dogs considered obese or likely to become obese

6
Hours the average kid spends on all forms of screen media combined every day

60
Minutes of exercise per day recommended for children two years old and older

5
Ways pets can improve your health: decreased depression, stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, heart health, and a more social life

41 billion
Amount in dollars that Americans spend on their pets per year

21
Percentage of kids who eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day

3 billion
Amount in dollars that fast food outlets spend in television advertisements targeted to kids

10
Number of dog parks in Austin with leash-free areas

80
Percentage of commercials aired during Saturday morning children’s television programs that are related to junk food products

14
The age that 70-75 percent of kids will stop playing an organized sport

75
Percentage of parents with an obese child who could not identify that their child was overweight

10
Percentage of parents who express concerns that their child is underweight and should gain more, when in fact the child had proper bodyweight

27
Grams of sugar in an eight-ounce soda

70
Percentage chance that an obese child will continue to be obese into adulthood

5
Number of times larger fast food portions are now than when they were first introduced

1,500
Amount in milligrams of sodium per day recommended by the Institute of Medicine

3,436
Amount in milligrams of sodium per day consumed by Americans age two and up

40
Percentage of daily calories consumed by children, which are considered empty calories from added sugars and solid fats

6
Number of main sources of empty calories consumed by children (soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, pizza, and whole milk)

38
Grams of sugar in an eight-ounce juice drink

12
Recommended grams of daily sugar intake for children

98.6
Average body temperature in humans

100-102.5
Average body temperature in dogs

Sources:
www.cdc.gov; www.petplace.com; kidshealth.org; kidshealth.org; www.webmd.com; www.businessweek.com; www.businessweek.com; aspe.hhs.gov; aspe.hhs.gov; austinparks.org; randomhistory.com; usyouthsoccer.org; childhoodobesityfacts.org; childhoodobesityfacts.org; childhoodobesityfacts.org; www.divinecaroline.com; www.cdc.gov; www.cdc.gov; www.kidshealth.org; www.dailysugarintake.net; www.mayoclinic.com; www.dogs-first-aid-101.com