The importance of a fit kid – Tackling the obesity epidemic

When most adults think about exercising they imagine working out at the gym on a treadmill or lifting weights. But for children, exercise means playing and being physically active, therefore they exercise when they have gym class at school, football practice, riding their bike or playing tag.

Why should kids be active?

 A child who is active will:

• Have stronger muscles and bones
• Be less likely to become over weight as exercise helps controls body fat
• Decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes
• Possibly lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• Have a better out look on life

Not to mention physically active children will sleep better and will handle the physical and emotional challenges that there typical day presents – for example running to the bus, studying for a test, or helping with the family’s daily chores.
The complications and diseases associated with young over weight and obese children include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, asthma and sleep apnoea, however the most common consequences of obesity in childhood are psychosocial. Examples include poor self-esteem, negative self-image, social difficulties, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and depression.

Our kids today – Are they active?

It is well recognized that Australian children today, are not as physically active as their parents and grandparents were in their youth. Around 40 per cent of our children do not participate in organised sport outside school hours. (1) The connection between less physical activity and the increasing levels of overweight and obesity in children in Australia is strong and contributes to the health problems of young Australians, not to mention increasing the risk of premature illness and death later in life.

How much exercise is enough?

Combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Parents play an important role in ensuring that their children are eating sensibly and getting enough exercise. The Australian Government has recommended that Children (5-18years) should participate in at least 60 minutes (and up to several hours) of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. By encouraging your child to be physically active, you’re helping to establish a healthy lifelong habit.

What can you do to help raise a fit kid?

 Below are some tips for raising a fit kid:

• Try lots of different activity’s to find something your child enjoys and is good at. Helping kids find activities that they like is one of the keys to keeping them active –
• Encourage your child to participate in a variety of activities right for his/her age
• Establish a regular schedule for physical activity
• Limit the amount of time your child watches television or playing video games
• Embrace an healthier active lifestyle yourself
• Incorporate activity into there daily routines such as always using the stairs instead of the elevator
• Keep it fun – it doesn’t matter what the activity is - long as they like it!

(1)http://www.healthyactive.gov.au/internet/healthyactive/publishing.nsf/Content/background