Nip child obesity in the bud
When two to five-year old children discover entertainment on the television, their physical activity level decreases. Add this to games involving computer games and children are soon discouraged from developing their own creative personalities. It is now evident that physical activity declines as screen time increases.
Parents may think their preschoolers keep fit naturally without vigorous physical activity, but health specialists say it is precisely at this developmental age that sedentary routines can become sedentary habits. This could lead to child obesity. Current data reveals that one in four Canadian children is overweight, an alarming fact that is mirrored not only in North America but also throughout developed countries. Chronic illness such as type 2 diabetes, early cardiovascular disease and a shortened life span are the equally disturbing consequences.
Too many hours watching television and other hi-tech toys continue to contribute to childhood obesity – and yet experts tell us that preschoolers, given a choice, prefer human fun-and-play, especially with those they love.
Last spring, Leger Marketing surveyed 304 parents of preschoolers in Ontario and concluded that while 93 per cent of parents agreed they were “a role model for their children” and 85 per cent agreed that “the habits taught now will last a lifetime”, still only 66 per cent agreed that they did indeed provide “a good role model for activity and physical activity”.
Initiating some vigorous playtime every day gives children attention and excitement with lots of laughs together. Good parenting examples set children on a healthy, lifelong path with quality time they will always remember.
At www.haveaballtogether.ca, parents and caregivers can access countless ideas on how to consistently add energized activities to daily routines, like dancing to music, crawling under and over each other, or setting up an obstacle course. The website, launched by the Best Start Resource Centre at Health Nexus provides information and useful tips. – News Canada
