Newswise — In the last two decades the number of overweight and obese children has more than doubled, putting them at risk to become overweight or obese adults with serious problems such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and even psychological and social problems. Fortunately, parents can take steps now to prevent this.
University of Michigan exercise physiologist Audrey Hazekamp suggests that parents teach their children by example to get up, get out and together make exercise fun. Doing so will keep the whole family physically and emotionally healthier.
Taking family walks or bike rides are just a few simple ways to get everyone physically involved and interacting. Plus, it helps parents to teach their kids how to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
One of the easiest ways to get the family moving is to encourage playing outside during the day. Hazekamp says to limit unhealthy habits like watching television, playing video games or sitting at the computer inside, which keep children inside and inactive.
"Limiting the amount of TV children watch, video games they play or the amount of computer time they have is really an important part of the parents' responsibility to get their kids moving," says Hazekamp.
Keys to motivating family exercise:
"Bringing in other kids will make exercise look more like play while creating a fun atmosphere for physical activity," says Hazekamp.
She also suggests organizing a neighborhood game of tag or hide-and-go-seek to get your children outdoors and moving with others.
Exercise: Good for the mind and body
Physical activity can help everyone in the family be and feel healthier. Exercise can:
If the whole family makes the conscious decision to be active, they all share the exercise benefits, and most importantly the family can enjoy the "play" time together, says Hazekamp.
Facts about exercise and obesity:
For more information on exercise, visit the following websites:
UMHS Health Topics form A-Z: Exercise benefitshttp://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/umfit03.htm
UMHS Health Topics from A-Z: Exercise to stay healthyhttp://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/aha_hmexerci_crs.htm
UMHS Health Topics from A-Z: The role of exercise in treating obesityhttp://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/aha_exercise_crs.htm
UMHS Your Child: How parents can fight the obesity epidemichttp://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/fightobesity.htm
National Institute of diabetes and digestive and kidney disease: Healthy eating and physical activity across your lifespan: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/parentips/tipsforparents.htm