Get Your Child To Exercise
Alarming studies in recent years have shown a significant increase in children suffering
from obesity. The technological advances have seen more children playing PC and video games, then children actually participating in sport. This has become a health crisis especially in the western world because more children are now being diagnosed and treated for Cardiovascular diseases. Children in western nations have never been so unfit.
According to the latest figures in the United Kingdom, if the rise in child obesity continues, at least half of the country’s youngsters will be seriously overweight by 2020. Which is hardly surprising. Studies have shown that the average 10 year old in Britain already spends more time sitting down than being active. According to child experts, regular
exercise is important to:
Help build a healthy heart, develop strong muscles and bonesand reduce the risks of disease later on in life.
Reduce body fat.
Ease stress and anxiety.
Improve social and moral development.
Increase the opportunities for children to interact with their peers and developind friendships.
Studies have shown that the more encouragement you give a child to be active the more they will usually respond. Try to incorporate some form of activity into their daily routine, such as walking or cycling to school or playing outside, rather than switching on the computer or TV. Studies have indicated that children should participate in exercise of at least moderate activity for at least an hour a day. That could be cycling, brisk walking, swimming, dancing and most sport of games. Dr. Carol Bryant a child fitness expert suggest that the whole family get involved in activities, and that parents should try to make exercise activities and games, both enjoyable and fun. She also suggest that exercise programs for children should be started of slowly initially and gradually be paced according to the child’s response to the activity. The hour can also be breakdown into intervals throughout the day.