Thursday, March 8, 2012

Childhood obesity---yikes. It's an epidemic.

Just a few facts:

  • It has tripled over the last 30 years.
  • In 2008, more than 1/3 of children were considered obese. Can you imagine how much it is now?
  • Obesity is not just mean, it's dangerous. Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Disease.
  • Yikes...see this link for more facts: CDC

So, what's the answer? Stick your kids on a treadmill? No! Let's think of FUN ways to get the Whole Family up and moving--TOGETHER!


Outside FUN

  • Hiking, Walking, and being outside--probably the most common forms of "exercise" you can think of.
  • Swimming--what about heading to your local indoor pool. Family game time meets the water.
  • Backyard: When was the last time you got a fierce game of kickball going? Got a basketball hoop? My son loves the game PIG..google it.
  • Frisbee, Soccer, and Races in the back yard ..team girls vs boys.
  • Walking to a park...now this applies if you live near one . Have your kids bike and mom/dad walk or jog along side. And when you get there, don't just sit on a bench. Push the swings. Have you tried Monkey Bars lately--they are HARD!
  • Thought about running a race? So many 5 and 10Ks have a kids race before the adults get started. What an awesome way for the family to all achieve success.
  • Make an obstacle course in the back yard. Have fun racing through and around it together.
  • What are some fun adventures in your own town. B does such a good job of exploring with the kiddos. Old submarines, the SeaCoast Science Center, and lighthouses have already been found!
Inside Fun

  • When was the last time you went bowling? Doesn't seem like exercise, but it gets you up and moving. Plus many bowling alleys have 99 cent games.
  • Want to go the gym? Get in a quick workout while your kids play in the child care. Then grab your kids and head to the basketball court for kids vs parents.
  • Roller Skating
  • Ice Skating
  • Zumba special events..you knew I was going to put that out there. Some studios will offer Mom and Me Zumba classes---dance the hour away!
  • Speaking of dance..dance party in your home! Turn off the TV and turn ON the music. Party Rockers in the house.....
For Kids ONLY
  • Need an aftercare program? Check out Zumbatomic (yes for both boys and girls).
  • Gymnastics, Ballet, or any sport: Baseball, Swim, Football...you get the idea.
  • Having a friend over? Sure electronics are fun, but send them outside for Vitamin D and a game.
  • Send your kids outside. Little b will spend an hour playing fetch and chase with our dogs...it's the little things!
*************In order for your kid to love being FIT, they will need to see their parents/family doing the same. We are the EXAMPLE!

Question of the day: What are some ways you like to stay FIT with the FAM?

(Thank you Cheryl, for today's post. This is a topic near and dear to both of our hearts.)

1 comment:

  1. I recently read of a proposed amendment to the Child Protection and Welfare Act that would make deem it child abuse for children over a certain BMI and those already suffering from hypertension and Type2 diabetes. While it may sound excessive, some parents are drastically shorting their childrens' lives with the food they feed them (in addition to teaching them an unhealthy lifestyle, e.g. abusers teaching their children to be abusers). It's one thing if we want to abuse our own bodies, it's another when we're abusing our children's.

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