How To Help Children And Youth That Are Habitually Physically Inactive
Without help, this can become a very dangerous habit resulting in obesity, stress related conditions, loss of sleep, poor self-esteem, depression, reduced learning ability, low school performance, confused emotions, distorted ideas, chronic medical challenges, lack of survival skills, social isolation.
Habitual inactivity has become epidemic (especially in the US) for children, youth and adults. There are many reasons for this including; societal, technological, industrial, financial, and commercial factors. Children & youth are being driven to school for safety concerns and lack of good schools in local neighborhoods. Budget cuts have resulted in inadequate physical education in schools. For safety reasons, children & youth are often not able to play outside after school at home. Too many children & youth are spending hours and hours each day watching TV or playing computer games, instead of being physically active.
Low energy, inactivity, listlessness and disinterest may also be caused by and complicated by medical and psychiatric conditions, which need to be evaluated. Nutritional imbalances involving diets high in sugars and fats and incomplete proteins also add to the challenge of inactivity. Exposure to environmental pollutants–air pollution in particular–can also limit activity.
However, whole families are losing the habit of being physically active. Children & youth are not learning the enjoyments of movement and physical accomplishment from their families.
Children & youth learn and grow through activity. Increased physical activity is good for: heart health; preventing diabetes; controlling weight; improving psychological and emotional well being; improving self image; raising energy levels.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Long Walks/Hikes • Nature • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Pets |
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For Parents: • Increase moderate and extreme physical, enjoyable activity as a family to replace TV, computer, and stay-at-home times. • Become as active as you want your child or youth to be. • Find physically active things the whole family likes to do together and do them regularly. • Instead of using a car or bus, rediscover walking or cycling as a form of transportation. • Join with other parents interested in this topic. • Pressure your local political leaders to provide daily physical education in schools, safe streets, bicycle and walking paths, team sports, more parks, playgrounds and swimming pools, and effective public transportation. • Ask your doctor, local business people and school staff to help you get your child or youth motivated. |
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Check out: www.gov/Medlineplus/exerciseforchildren; www.kidshealth.org; www.actionforhealthykids.org. |