According to the CDC, childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970's. That means that 1 out of every 5 school aged children are now considered obese. This generation may very well be the first generation to have a lower life expectancy than their parents. What a terrifying thought!
Why is this? Some research points to a rise in sedentary activities like watching television and playing video games. Some research points to a decrease in P.E. times as children get older. Please see the following link for information directly linked to physical activity:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/facts.htm
If children are not active and become obese they are more likely to develop diseases like diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, cancer, and depression.
So what do we do to combat this problem? The easy answer is- get moving!
Kids should play and play hard for 60 minutes a day. Make it a family affair! Lifestyle changes are difficult but with family support, the journey is more fun and manageable.
What can we do at school? Please see the link from the CDC for a comprehensive school plan:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/pdf/13_242620-A_CSPAP_SchoolPhysActivityPrograms_Final_508_12192013.pdf
Some schools offer after school clubs that are fitness oriented or weekend running clubs. This is a great way to encourage physical activity with peers and have fun practicing a healthy lifestyle!
A fun activity that you can do as a family over Thanksgiving is a scavenger hunt. We have a tradition of filling an empty mason jar with treasures that we find during a 60 minute hike around the family farm. Start your own tradition!
No matter what the activity is....just keep moving!
Movement Matters- Whitney Carter PT, DPT
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