Studies show that seven out of 10 American adults don’t exercise regularly despite the proven health benefits. Experts say lack of physical activity contributes to some 300,000 deaths each year in the United States caused by heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other conditions. However, lack of exercise is not just something that affects adults. It’s now affecting the children of the United States. One out of every three children are now considered to be overweight or obese. It doesn’t have to be that way!
In my opinion, we parents who are in our late 30’s to early 40’s may end up out-living our children. Why do I make this claim? It’s due to the inactivity of many children these days. Most children prefer to sit on the couch or lay in bed text messaging their friends, emailing or playing video games. And, our school system doesn’t make it any easier. Most elementary and middle schools have either eliminated or are eliminating physical education from their curriculum.
Most children these days choose inactivity over activity, because it’s easier. They derive their social interaction through technology over physical activity.
As a child of the late 70’s and early 80’s, I was very active in team sports and other forms of exercise. When I got home from school or from wrestling practice, I did my homework and then spent several hours outside engaged in some type of physical activity. Nowadays, most kids prefer to remain in-doors and don’t participate in any activity that requires more strength necessary than to text message. I see it every day.
At my studio, we train several middle school aged kids who are hard challenged to keep up with some of my geriatric clients. It’s the responsibility of us parents to ensure that our kids get enough exercise and make it a daily occurrence.
Action is the best form of prevention. In my house, I’ve taken away my kid’s cell phones and computers from 4pm to 7pm. I encourage them to get outside and ride their bikes, skate board, throw the football and roller blade. Even a simple activity such as taking our dog for a long walk around the lake has health benefits.
It’s right in front of our faces, parents. We need to get our kids away from the technology for a few hours each day and present them with other choices to get their bodies moving. If we consistently neglect their physical fitness, we are going to be the first generation of parents to outlive our own children.