Children and Exercise
How important is that? Notice there are many more overweight children today than it used to be many years ago? The reason? Over fed but not enough exercise, thanks to (in part) the processed food, the television and electronic games.
My friend Pat wrote this article about overweight children and exercise. Have children of your own? This is a good reminder.
In a study of children ages 9-15 years old, physical activity of moderate to high intensity declined every year. At 9, children averaged over three hours of moderate to intense exercise, but by the time they were 15, it declined to just 49 minutes for boys and 38 minutes for girls. The researchers didn’t attempt to find out why. Maybe children just lose the ability to play the older that they get. Video games, text messaging, and the lack of physical education in schools are just some of the reasons.
Parents can make a difference and the earlier the better. Make regular physical activity a part of your family life. Taking hikes in the park. Riding bikes. Even playing kick-ball in the back yard is better than just sitting. Just remember kids like games, not planned exercise like you might do for yourself. Maybe if you make moving a part of their life early enough, it’s a habit they will keep for the rest of their lives.
November 01 2008 02:48 pm | Exercise