Childhood obesity is one of the nation's health problems that can be addressed through education and healthy habits. Healthy habits formed during childhood can last a lifetime.
Physiological Effects of Obesity
Obesity can lead to a number of health problems in adulthood including adult onset diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and an increased risk of heart disease. With each extra pound of fat carried, the body has to lay down more capillaries with which to nourish the extra tissue. This means that the heart has to work harder with each beat to provide nutrition to the tissue. Extra fat carried on the body also means extra stress to the weight-bearing bones of the body leading to potential injuries to the bones and joints of the lower extremities. One way to reduce extra body fat is to increase the activity level of the individual.
Getting Kids Moving
Exercise is a turn-off for kids when it is drudgery, painful, or used as a punishment. Traditional sports are good and have their place, but they are not the only way to get kids active. The key to getting kids to exercise at home is to make it a family activity. The best way to get kids moving and off of the couch is for the parents to lead the way. If parents are moving, the kids will be moving. Exercising and having fun with the family can be done with just a little creativity and commitment.
Athleticism is not the key ingredient to being active with the kids. The key components are to be creative, keep moving, and stay active for at least 30 minutes a day. A simple game of tag in the backyard can be a great way to get moving. How about a creative walk outdoors hunting for spiders in the evening with some flashlights? An outing to the local school playground can also provide some fun outdoor activities. The types of activities a family can be involved with are only limited by imagination.
If parents are a little more adventurous, try learning some of the skills and activities that the kids like to do. Take up roller blading (with protective equipment of course), skate boarding, body surfing, or bike riding. Many cities provide safe bike trails, bike lanes, and skateboard parks. Check with your local city’s Recreational Services to see what is available for your family.
Expensive equipment is also not a requirement. Turn a trashcan into a target and roll used socks into balls. Set the trashcan at a specific distance. See how many sock balls your family can get into the trashcan within a certain time period (time is dependent on the age of the kids). Adding the time component turns a “walking” game into a “running” game.
Keeping Kids Moving
Avoid elimination games as they are counterproductive to the purpose of constant motion. Games that sit kids out defeat the purpose of being active. Avoid scoring games as they might lead to sibling fighting. If any scoring is done, have the kids beat their own personal score rather than a sibling’s score.
The key to getting kids moving is to get the parents to move and lead the way. Exercise then becomes a fun activity rather than something that kids want to avoid. Focus on fun and motion, not skill and competition. As the family learns to have fun moving together, exercise becomes second nature and a lifetime habit.
