Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Active children lead to healthier adults
America is getting fatter — all the data tells us so.
Odds are, adults who are obese were probably heavy during
their childhood.
Awareness about childhood obesity is increasing, as I am
asked about it on a regular basis by parents.
Many parents are aware that their children are overweight.
Unfortunately their main approach to control this rests only on diet. Exercise is often overlooked, and
unfortunately the only activities some children get is playing with their XBoxes,
Wii or PlayStations.
With physical activity declining dramatically as a child's
age and school grade increases, it is important that exercise be a regular part
of family life. Studies have shown that lifestyles learned as children are much
more likely to stay with a person into adulthood. If sports and physical
activities are family priorities,
they will provide children and parents with a strong foundation for a lifetime
of health.
Parents can play a key role in helping their children become
more active. Here are some ways to get started:
• Have fun. Help your children find sports they enjoy The more
they like the activity, the more likely they will continue. Get the entire
family involved. It is a great way to spend time together.
• Choose an
activity that is developmentally appropriate.
For example soccer, bicycle riding, and swimming are all appropriate activities
for an elementary school child.
• Safety
cannot be overstressed. Make sure your
child's equipment and chosen site for the sport or activity are safe. Make sure
your child's clothing is comfortable and appropriate.
• Avoid sugary
drinks. Unfortunately, Gatorades and
Powerades have become the drink of choice in many little leagues and other
youth sports. Just water is plenty.
• If you
have no time for organized sports, make time for exercise. Some children are so overscheduled with homework,
music lessons, and other planned activities that they do not have time for
exercise.
• Be a model
for your child. Children who regularly see
their parents enjoying sports and physical activity are more likely to do so
themselves. Play with your child. Help them learn new sports.
• Turn off
the TV. Limit television watching and
computer use. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1 to 2
hours of total screen time, including TV, videos, and computers and video
games, each day. Use the time saved for more physical activities.
Exercise along with a balanced diet provides the foundation
for a healthy, active life. One of the most important things parents can do is
encourage healthy habits in their children early in life. It is never too late
to start. Your pediatrician can help your child understand why physical
activity is important.
Ravi Prakash is a pediatrician on The William W. Backus
Hospital Medical Staff. This column should not replace advice or instruction
from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others,
visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs
or e-mail Dr. Prakash or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org
# posted by ----------------- @ 5:14 PM 
