Children and Exercise
Following the recent discussion (on this blog) regarding obesity, genetics, and lifestyle choices, I believe the study below will be of particular interest.
Even a Little Extra Exercise Lowers Kids’ Risk of Obesity
As stated within:
“In a cross-sectional study of more than 5,000 12-year-olds, a daily quarter-hour of moderate to vigorous exercise was associated with a 50% drop in the risk of obesity for boys, found Andy Ness, Ph.D., of the University of Bristol.”
The report goes on to state:
“We know that diet is important,” said co-author Chris Riddoch, Ph.D., of Bath University, “but what this research tells us is that we mustn’t forget about activity. It’s been really surprising to us how even small amounts of exercise appear to have dramatic results.”
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This research should not come as a surprise, but rather a wake up call. Many obese adults were first obese children. With even small amounts of exercise, this trend can be reversed. As parents, we have a responsibility to care for our children. Part of this process involves leading by example.
As a child, I cannot remember a time when I was not involved in sports.
We didn’t sit around playing video games and watching television. It wasn’t an option. We were always involved in one sport or another.
As a society, we need to stop looking for excuses, and instead focus our time and attention towards finding and then sharing solutions. Fortunately, these solutions do not require an understanding of rocket science.
Take your children outside, go for a walk, throw the ball, ride a bike, etc.
Lead an active lifestyle, and your child will eagerly lead it with you.
Ross
8 Comments so far
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In your blog, you write a lot of very important things, but I think this is certainly the most important blog entry in your battle against obesity!
Children love playing and sports. Don’t let them lose that love during their youth, as happens so often!
Very important thing. But parents have to take care of what their kids do. I know some “Child-Gyms” that is the greatest horseplay i have ever seen. Children should go out, play with a ball, go into a sports club and so on. But if the parents are obese and see no need for sports, how could they get the idea to let their children make some sports.
Sports are great, but every town has a park. Monkey bars, climbing poles, running, climbing stairs of slides… even if parents are un-athletic, their is no real/good excuse kids cant be active.
Sure, but if the parents don’t show them how to be active or motivate them, the risk is high to end up as their parents did.
I agree with the above. It also has to do with the present habits of parents and family in general. Are their habits health conscious? If not, then it’s going to be an uphill battle to get these kids from being obese or overweight. No matter how much motivation we give our kids, if we don’t move ourselves and be fit or play sports how do we expect our children to follow? Children imitate their parents. Parents themselves should start the habit of exercise well before they have children in order to instill good health habits.
“Children imitate their parents.”
Well said Ben. That one line sums it up perfectly.
Ross
Schools are slowly phasing out P.E. and recess. Kids are stressed with the loads of homework, and technology is at it’s pinnacle. Many seem to be satisfied with video games, myspace, cellular phones, and MTV. The playgrounds are losing the sounds of children running around and playing. What’s next, I wonder? Perhaps if we were not as much of a time conscious society we’d find 20 minutes here and there to play around at a park, or get into a sport, or heck even walk around.
Great post! And cute photo
Besides sports, children also need to do more chores. Too many Moms are doing laundry and packing lunches at 11 pm while the kids are surfing the internet - that’s just wrong.
My 5 yo daughter takes her laundry to and from the basement and folds it and puts it away (I operate the machines - but in a couple of years she will do it herself) plus she sets and clears the table, throws out her trash and helps clean the kitchen floor. Not only are chores good exercise, but when everyone contributes to the house hold, everyone is happier and you’re more of a family.