Childhood obesity is a serious disease threatening the lives of our children today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2008 19.6 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 11 and 18.1 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 19 are considered obese. By beginning an exercise program, children can greatly reduce their risk of obesity in childhood as well as later in life.
Exercise Through Sports
Enroll your child in sports to let him get natural and regular exercise. MayoClinic.com says that getting your child involved in sports will give him a head start on lifelong fitness. Sports are a great way for kids to get physical and have fun at the same time. If your child is too young for organized sports, MayoClinic.com suggests that your child receive plenty of unstructured free play such as running, climbing or dancing. Beginning at around age 6, your child should be able to have the concentration for organized sports. Let him run and play to his heart's content during basketball or t-ball games while getting heart-healthy exercise along the way.
If your child isn't interested in the normal organized sporting teams, such as basketball, consider enrolling him in a regular class that will help him get activity while staying fun, such as martial arts or swim lessons. There are many activities available for him to get involved that will help to increase his physical activity but also make him feel special and part of a team.
Lifelong Lessons
Instilling healthy habits in your children takes time and patience. There are many things you can do to teach your children the healthy habits that they will need to carry into adulthood. Kids Health says that teaching kids a healthy lifestyle will always begin by parents setting a good example. Take a family bike ride or walk together every day after dinner. Spend time playing games in the backyard on nice days. Let your children see you making smart choices in your lifestyle and they will soon follow suit.
Physical/Mental Benefits of Exercise in Children
Kids who live a healthy lifestyle are expected to have a greater life expectancy and will have a lower risk of disease, according to the American Heart Association. Regular exercise will help with weight control through adulthood and decrease a child's chances of developing high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even some forms of cancer. Psychologically, regular physical activity in children will lead to higher self confidence and self esteem.
Expert Recomendations
The American Heart Association recommends that all children over the age of 2 receive around 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous age-appropriate exercise every day. For younger children, this may come as regular outdoor games of tag or bike rides. Teens may even join a gym and get their exercise on treadmills or stationary bicycles. Try to make exercise as fun as possible and it will increase the chance that your child will continue these healthy habits throughout life.
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