Sedentary Children: What We Can Do to Get Them Moving

It is no secret that today's children do not get nearly enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and fitness level. It is reported that up to 20% of kids age five to nineteen are considered obese, with teens and late teens showing the highest numbers. It is estimated that if we continue on this trend, by 2100, 70% of teenagers will fall into the category of obese.

Years ago, we had active children. Schools were dedicated to gym periods where students worked so hard they had to take the dreaded showers after. Now it's estimated that in an average gym class, there are only about seven minutes in which activity actually occurs. In some of the gym classes I've seen, the kids don't even need to change to play because they aren't going to get sweaty. We used to encourage recess and after school time being spent outside, winter or summer. Tag meant to chase each other around and catch up to your friends if you were identified as "it," not identify yourself or your friends in a Facebook photo. Times have changed.

We have always relied on school to provide physical activity for all students, whether or not they got enough at home. However, with the push toward academics and standardized tests, there is little time and budget left for physical activity in the school. Recess has been cut as have many full-year Physical Education classes. Sure there are after school sports activities, but we know not all kids participate in them. And even for those that do, it is shown that sports training caters to developing certain fitness skills rather than overall fitness. And to make matters worse, it's been shown that physical activities decrease even more as a child grows into an adult.

These facts raise all kinds of social and health concerns. Physical activity is a necessary component of a healthy lifestyle. Let's take a look at just some of the major benefits

Physical activity:

Decreases the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and cancer. It improves the immune system in general.

Reduces the risk of Osteoporosis and Arthritis.

Helps manage many diseases and conditions, including pain management.

Releases norepinephrine and betaendorphins, which promote feelings of well-being. In addition, the physical results caused by physical activity may lead to higher confidence, body image, and self esteem.

Acclimates kids to lead a healthy, physical lifestyle as adults.

Decreases levels of cholesterol and fat.

Builds strong bones, joints, and muscles, which improves the quality of life both now and in the future.

Promotes coordination.

Improves the circulatory and respiratory systems.

Helps the body manage the physical symptoms of stress. Also the emotional symptoms.

Promotes social activity through games like tennis, basketball, in-line skating, kickball, etc.

Has been shown to increase students' academic performance and improve learning habits in children that are frequently active.

Has been shown to decrease behavioral problems in children that are frequently active.

Increases confidence and well-being overall.

Just by looking at this list, it is impossible to deny that we need to put physical activity back into our schools. Not only for the benefits but also because in general, kids need to take a break from sitting in the classroom. They need to move around, run around even, stretch and throw some balls. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education recommends that children get at least sixty minutes of physical activity a day. It is suggested that teens participate in at least three sessions of twenty minute or more of moderate to vigorous levels per week.

How can we as parents and guardians help?

We can:model a physical lifestyle ourselves, and show pride in our own sense of well-being and health.

Encourage our children from an early age (as soon as they can crawl) to move around, while keeping their safety as a top priority.

Encourage and even demand our children walk away from the TV or computer and engage in physical activity.

Engage in physical activity with our children.

Give presents that promotes activity, such as skateboards, bikes, baseball gloves, and hula hoops.

Advocate for more physical activity in our schools, aiming for at least sixty minutes a day.

Volunteer to help in after school and summer-long activity programs.

Be proactive and learn about supplemental programs such as PE4life and present them at schoolboard and town meetings.

I don't think I left much question as to how improving our activity programs will benefit the community. But just in case, let's sum it up. Our kids are the future. We need them to grow up strong and healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Increased physical activity is the key for this to happen.

In immediate terms, it will help improve our kids' academic performance and all-over health. Consequently, less school days will be missed, meaning less work days for us missed, and less doctor bills for us to pay.

In addition, it will bring us together as a community. Through programs and activities we will work and play together. And everyone will be the better for it.