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| HEALTH: Active kids are healthy kids
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As we head into the winter months, it's always tempting to rug up on the couch and escape the chill in front of the TV. However, these colder days are no reason to stop being active. In fact, they are the perfect days to get out and about when the sun isn't so strong.
According to a recent study, 80% of 5-17 year olds aren't active enough and 70% of children spend more than 2 hours a day in front of a screen (Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Health Survey, 2010-11).
This is backed by a recent Heart Foundation survey that discovered that 63% of kids are driven to school and only 11% ride their bikes, even though 50% lived within 10 minutes of the school. This is in comparison to 1970 when 84% of kids walked or took public transport to school.
Inactive kids become inactive adults, and with heart disease on the rise the Heart Foundation is focusing on increasing kids' activity to shift this trend. Active kids have better concentration, increased motivation, improved self-confidence, and are more alert. They also show less signs of anxiety and depression, have a better outlook on life and sleep better. And most importantly, being active keeps blood sugars level, controls weight, and develops strength and fitness that will benefit kids for the rest of their years.
Guidelines state that toddlers and preschoolers should be active for at least 3 hours a day, and children and teenagers need at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. And this activity can be anything: climbing, running, cycling, swimming, playing a team sport, even dancing around the living room! If you find it hard to schedule regular sports, just walking to school (or parking 10 minutes away if you live too far away), is a great way to get active within the confines of your daily commitments.
As parents, we can lead by example. Making activity and exercise part of your everyday life will not only benefit you, it will also establish healthy habits for the family. Whether it's a game of Frisbee in the park, a family bushwalk or heading out together for a bike ride, family activities are a great way to get kids active without even realising.
And in these winter months when outdoor activities aren't always possible, there are plenty of ways to still stay active. Hide and seek, treasure hunts, or a game of Twister are all wonderful and completely free inside activities. Or make it more active with an obstacle course around the furniture, a hula-hoop competition in the garage, or a trip to the local swimming pool.
Many team sports are available indoors in the winter, check with your local sports centre for indoor soccer, gymnastics or netball. And many community centres hold kinder playgroups and activity sessions.
Despite the temptation of the couch, try to limit TV time and aim to have one screen-free day every week. If you can't escape the screen, try playing active computer games such as Singstar or Wii Sports. And always have a collection of balls and comfortable shoes in the car, so an impromptu stop at the park is possible whenever the weather allows!
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