The obesity epidemic in America has been on the rise for years, with staggering numbers of overweight and obese children. It’s no coincidence that with advances in technology, we have become practically dormant; we have conditioned America’s youth to spend hours on end in front of the TV or computer, playing video games instead of playing outside.
Physical inactivity and poor nutrition may soon become the leading cause of preventable death in the United States; more and more children are being diagnosed with conditions like high blood pressure, athsma and diabetes. Since the 1970s, the percentage of children and adolescents who are considered overweight has more than doubled.
The long-term consequences associated that begin in adolescence put overweight children at increased risk for various chronic diseases earlier in life; this is not to mention the social and emotional impact that obesity can have on a child during their developmental years.
As parents, teachers, coaches and role models to our youth, it is our inherent responsibility to lead by example. Seeing you exercise regularly can be one of the most effective ways to instill physical activity into your child’s daily routine, and even better if you can find the time to exercise WITH them. At least an hour a day of active time, coupled with a nutritious diet is key to keeping children healthy. Whatever you choose to do, the most important thing is to remember to make it a fun and enjoyable experience.
Here are some tips and ideas:
- Enroll your child in a recreational sport like soccer or your local little league
- Walk to a local park or open space in your neighborhood with a jump rope, hula hoop or other lightweight game for the kids to play with
- Take on an outdoor project, like building a garden or a backyard treehouse
- Go to a local roller skating rink or ice rink, if there’s one near where you live – otherwise, roller skate outside around your neighborhood
- Sign your family up for a fun run or charity walk
- Take a trip to the beach or the go swimming at your local pool
Have you tried any of these ideas or have suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!
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