Keep Your Children Fit, Trim and Healthy

Every classroom had one - that one child who was bigger than his or her peers. Not necessarily taller - but bigger. In generations past that large child's weight and body shape was often the result of some hormonal or chemical imbalance. Many of these children grew up to enjoy body shapes closer to the average. They simply outgrew their baby-fat or childhood flab.

Sadly, this is not as often the case in 2010. The trend toward childhood obesity is downright shocking. What is going on to bring about these alarming statistics we've all seen or heard?

Blame it on too much TV time - or too many hours wasted playing video games. Blame it on the junk we feed them. Look at the list of ingredients the next time you pick up a child's favorite snack or soft-drink. Even allegedly healthy fruit juices can contain alarming amounts of sugar or the dreaded high fructose corn syrup.

A growing body of scientific research is resulting in clear evidence on the positive relationship between active outdoor play and children's health.

Playing and regular vigorous physical activity (activities that produce a noticeable increase in heart rate - like brisk walking, biking, and active outdoor playing) is important for healthy growth and development among children and adolescents.

There is strong evidence showing beneficial effects of physical activity on muscle strength and endurance, bone health and cardiovascular health. A positive association has also been found between physical activity and improvements in concentration, memory, and classroom behavior.

Girls with a more natural view (trees, grass, shrubs) performed better on standardized performance measures of concentration compared to girls who looked at a more barren setting (buildings, dirt, or paved surfaces).

Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) had milder ADD symptoms after engaging in play outside versus playing inside. The “greener” the play setting (parks, farms, places with tall trees, grass, or natural water sources), the milder the symptoms.

If you want your children to do better in school - encourage them to play outdoors more. Lead by example and play with them. Take them along the next you go for a nice energizing bike ride. Encourage them to join you in a brisk walk around the park. Let them rid their bikes and just try to keep up with them!

Start each day with a healthy breakfast. Our children need a well balanced, nutrient rich start to their day - just as we do. Study after study has confirmed the many benefits of eating a healthy breakfast. Children who get a good night's sleep and have breakfast seem to do better in school.

All work and no fun leads to almost certain boredom. Children need to play. Encourage them to get outside and get some fresh air and burn off some of their seemingly boundless energy. Children who go outside and play at recess also enjoy better results in the classroom!

If you want your most beloved little ones to grow up healthy and avoid the fat-trap, just say no to the fat-food drive-thru windows. Tell the big fast-food chains you don't want their fat and maybe they will start offering healthier choices.

Encourage them to drink more water and milk and way less soda or juice. Keep a bowl of fruit within easy reach so they can reach for something healthy after school.

And - encourage them to get outside and play! If your child has gained too much weight or if you have concerns about their body shape - don't fret. Talk to your school nurse or doctor. Help your children exercise and lose weight - the fun way!