Are Your Kids At Risk of Obesity?
Kids need physical activity. We all know that, but if you are a
parent have you stopped to consider how much physical activity
your child has had today? It's clear that children in the US and
other developed countries such as Australia and the UK are
getting more and more overweight and our children are moving
less each day.
Kids need a total of about 60 minutes of physical activity a
day, but this does not have to be all at one time. Short ten or
even 5 minute bouts of activity through the day are just as
good. If you children are not used to being activity, encourage
them to start with what they can do and build up to 60 minutes a
day.
Here are some ways to help encourage your child to be active and
get moving every day.
1. Set a good example. If your children see that you are
physically active and have fun, they are more likely to be
active and stay active throughout their lives. Take the dog for
a regular walk, get on a bike, play cricket in the backyard.
2. Encourage your child to join a sports team or class, such as
soccer, dance, basketball, or gymnastics at school or at your
local community or recreation center.
3. Be sensitive to your child's needs. If your child feels
uncomfortable participating in activities like sports, help him
or her find physical activities that are fun and not
embarrassing.
4. Be active together as a family. Assign active chores such as
making the beds, washing the car, or vacuuming. Plan active
outings such as a trip to the zoo, picnics or a walk through a
local park.
5. Because his or her body is not ready yet, do not encourage
your pre-adolescent child to participate in adult-style physical
activity such as long jogs, using an exercise bike or treadmill,
or lifting heavy weights. FUN physical activities are best for
kids.