Get Your Kids Moving
By Laura S. Garrett, RD, LD, Fri Dec 9th
Are your children active? Inactivity among children is becomingan epidemic. Motivating your children to be active not onlyimproves their health now, but it will also benefit them laterin life. Here are some facts: * Lack of exercise is a major reason for the growing rate ofobesity among children. Rather than letting your child watch TVall day, encourage him to spend time each day in play thatrequires him to be physically active.
* Exercise can strengthen children's bones, something they willbenefit from as adults. Children who participate inweight-bearing impact sports such as running, gymnastics,tumbling, and dance have higher bone density than children whosemajor activity is a non-weight-bearing exercise such as swimming. * Active children may increase their chance of becoming healthyadults. Children who enjoy being active are more likely todevelop the lifelong, healthy habit of being physically active.Physical activity decreases the risk of obesity, cancer,diabetes, high blood pressure, stoke,
and heart disease later inlife. Simply put, people who are active on a regular basis tendto live longer than inactive individuals. If you think getting your child to be more active is impossible,you just need to think "fun". Encourage your child to ride abike, swim, or play ball with friends. Get your child involvedin school organized sports and physical education classes. Mostimportantly, become a role model. If your child sees you layingaround or always sitting in front of the television or computer,it will be hard for him to know any better. Get the whole familyinvolved in games, bicycling, or other active play. If you getinvolved, your child will, too. About the author:Written by Laura S. Garrett, RD, Registered Dietitian, FitnessTrainer, & Owner of www.NutrActive.com - Serving your CompleteNutrition & Active Lifestyle Needs Contact via e-mail: Laura.RD@NutrActive.com Weight Loss/FitnessPrograms & Diabetes Specialist [Also Specializing inVitamin/Mineral/Herb Supplementation] Subscribe to our free weekly ezines for tips on how to loseweight, tone muscle, prevent disease, & cook healthy:subscribe@nutractive.com |
