According to a study released in 2005 by the New England Journal of Medicine, this generation of children may have shorter life expectancies than their parents if obesity rates continue at their current pace. Poor eating habits are partially to blame, but lack of physical activity is the other major culprit behind the nation's obesity crisis. One way parents and community leaders can take an active role in improving the health of our children is to encourage participation in youth sports programs.
Health-Related Benefits of Physical Activity
The American Heart Association recommends that to increase your child's life expectancy and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, you should increase her physical activity. Getting your child moving can help with weight control, lower blood pressure, raise "good" cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of diabetes and some types of cancer.
Mental and Social Benefits of Youth Sports
Participating in youth sports can also promote mental health and improved social skills. By signing up for gymnastics or Little League baseball, your child is learning valuable lessons about turn-taking, teamwork, self-discipline, sportsmanship, leadership and socialization. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that students who take part in school sports are less likely to smoke or abuse drugs. They are also less likely to drop out of school and more likely to be high academic achievers.
Getting Ready to Play
According to the American Council on Exercise, at about 2 years old, children start learning the skills they will need to live active, healthy lifestyles. Although they are not ready for competitive sports or activities that require long attention spans, you should encourage your child to run; jump; throw, catch, roll or bounce a ball; swim; and ride a bike. Playing turn-taking games will introduce your child to sportsmanship and prepare them to share the field later on.
Finding an Activity
At around age 5, children are ready to move on to more challenging activities. Their bodies are capable of playing longer and harder, and their minds can follow more complex directions. At this age, it is important to introduce your child to a variety of sports, both competitive and noncompetitive, as well as new activities such as skating, scootering and skateboarding. Schools, churches, community education programs and fitness centers often offer sports programs specific to ages and ability levels.
Dangers of Inactivity
Despite the availability of youth sports programs, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that 31.9 percent of children and adolescents are overweight, a body mass index at or above the 85th percentile, and more than 16 percent are obese, a body mass index at or above 95th percentile, based on findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The AAP warns these children are at risk for asthma, sleep apnea, skin infections and joint pain as well as other conditions later in life such as high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes. Overweight and obese children also tend to have lower self esteem and confidence, which have been linked to poor academic performance, fewer friends and depression. Making sure your child stays physically active can help protect her from these obesity-related conditions.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Obesity Threatens to Cut US Life Expectancy
- American Heart Association: Exercise and Children
- US Department of Health & Human Services: Physical Activity Fundamental to Preventing Disease
- American Council on Exercise: Kid's Fitness
- American Academy of Pediatrics: About Obesity
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