Youngsters are naturally physically active. The percentage of overweight youngsters has more than doubled in the past 30 years. There are many factors contributing to this kind of epidemic.
Kids are leading more and more sedentary lives than ever before. In plain and simple words they are sitting around a lot than they used to.Youngsters should not be inactive for more than an hour unless of course they are sleeping, while school going students should not be inactive for more than two hours.
Natural physical activities seem to be on a decline because of less interaction among neighbour's kids; lack of a common ground to play; increasing demands of school and home work; absence of active role models; too much television and other technological gadgets like the Nintendo DS, PlayStation, other video games, internet and busy working families where parents do not get much time to take their children outdoors. Also, parents do not feel comfortable anymore letting their wards freely roam in the neighbourhood.
However, being physically active has lots of benefits. Regular exercise aids:
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Weight control -
Strong muscles and bones -
Better sleep -
Decreased risk of developing type-2 diabetes -
Positive outlook towards life -
Clear thinking
With winter almost setting in, it is perfect time for parks and picnics. An effort can be made by parents to get some friends together to play outdoor. In an open ground, youngsters can pursue simple games like catching cook, chain-chain, mango, dodge ball, kho-kho, dog and the bone and skipping.
Ice-skating is an exciting physical activity coupling fitness. Bicycle or a tricycle, even a scooty is great to have, but effort has to be made to use it on a regular basis. Doing a common activity in groups is motivating. Someone who has a cycle can be involved and they can play with it together in the corridors. Roller skates instigate activity, so do heelies. Swimming, tennis, soccer, squash are all outdoor activities that a youngsters can pursue.
Physical fitness builds self-esteem and confidence. It keeps the body healthy and diseases at bay. Regular physical activity instills a life-long habit of exercise. Exercising also keeps the mind healthy. It can help relieve stress and pump positivity.
Source: (wateen.net)