The Institute of Medicine has reported that 9 million children over the age of 6 are considered obese. With a growing concern about inactive lifestyles and childhood obesity, it is important to keep children active and moving throughout the day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a minimum of 1 hour a day of physical exercise for all kids. One way to encourage this is with pedometers.
What are Pedometers?
A pedometer is a small device that measures the number of steps you take. They are designed for people of all ages, including children, to monitor physical activity. You simply attach it to your waistband, set your normal stride length, and it senses your movement.
Recommended Use
On average, it takes 2,000 steps to equal 1 mile. Since children's stride lengths are shorter, they may need more steps to equal a mile. Pedometers are used by schools, after-school programs and families to educate kids on healthy lifestyles and encourage walking or running. The pedometer can be worn all day, and kids can chart their progress and have healthy competitions with friends and family as they set goals on the number of steps they want to achieve each day.
U.S. Results
Pedometers have proven to be a successful motivator. In one example, the "We Count Pedometer Wellness Program" in Los Angeles conducted a study with 130 students ages 5 to 18. They reported that the use of pedometers "encouraged children to become more physically active and increased their step count 40 percent during the 16-week program."
International Results
Another study conducted by Dr. Lubans at the University of Newcastle in the U.K. reported that, "in 12 of the 14 studies, pedometers were successful in increasing physical activity among youth. Studies recorded increases of 500 to 2,500 steps per day and were most successful in increasing physical activity among pre-teens and teenagers with initially low levels of activity."
Where to Purchase
Pedometers can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores. The Pedometer Company (www.thepedometercompany.com) sells school kits that include health education resources, tracking and logging systems, and incentives for kids to achieve more steps.
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