Creating an Active Lifestyle for Your Child
By Stephen R. Farris
How often do you see children outside playing like most of us did when we were growing up? Chances are, not very often. Over the past few decades (most, not all) seem to have drifted indoors for recreational activities and it's not of the physical nature either.
Video games and socializing on the computer, smartphones, and other devices seems to be the growing trend and has been for at least the past two decades or longer. Kids -- and adults too -- sit for hours on end pushing buttons and staring at a computer/phone screen.
They've virtually lost their lust for the outdoors, fresh air and sunshine that our minds and bodies need. But there are things that can help change this trend and get our kids outside doing more healthier activities.
Did You Know?
Studies show that only 1 out of 3 adults get the required 150 minutes of physical activity per week. If that doesn't phase you, check this out. For 6-year-old kids, their physical activity minutes are the highest at 80 percent. But as they get older, between the ages of eight to 11, that figure drops drastically, down to 20 percent.
Getting Kids Off the Couch
A good first step is to get kids involved in team sports at an early age. There are plenty to choose from such as soccer (one of the most popular ones), baseball/softball, track -- even smaller communities have summer track teams -- or basketball and football. The goal is to get the kids involved and moving.
Limits
Put limits on the amount of time they spend playing video games, or on the computer, or watching television. You might replace that time by doing physical activities as a family, like going for walks, maybe playing Frisbee golf, and if the weather is bad, try bowling or laser tag.
The overall objective is we all want our kids to be healthy and strong. Good nutrition and exercise, along with limitations put on sedentary activities, will benefit your child and help stave off obesity, and it will also do good for you as an adult.
Check with your doctor or chiropractor to see what suggestions they can offer to start living a more healthy lifestyle for your family.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Amarillo, Tex.