Health and Beauty - Getting youngsters off the couch
Getting youngsters off the couch
PR CONSULTANT LIZ RODRIGUEZ EXPLORES WHY CHILDREN OF TODAY ARE THE NEW GENERATION OF COYCH POTATO – AND ASKS WHY THEY JUST DON’T SEEM TO GET THEIR KNEES DIRTY LIKE WE DID WHEN WE WERE THAT AGE I always remember my school years fondly. I can still see some of the scars, bumps and grazes on my legs from clambering up trees, playing conkers or netball, tackling the boys at football and jumping like Tigger on a trampoline. Now in my 30s and a new mum to Alexander I still do all these things so I can’t help but feel some sadness as to why the millennium children are reportedly obese or suffering from various ailments brought on by a lack of exercise. In a world were children are seduced by PSB this and Nintendo that, they are given all the chances to play sport without having to get up from the couch, never needing to inhale fresh air, never running for a ball or falling over then dusting themselves off.I was amazed to discover that 84 pr cent of children are playing on video game systems and, although not a video game virgin (I too enjoy a game of Harry Potter on my PS2), I was a little taken back to learn that children can now play tennis without ever holding a racquet or play football without kicking a ball. This is a vast development from the Atari PONG game back in my childhood days. Did you know that the average child is watching about three hours of television a day and spends five and a half hours a day on all media combined? Statistics show that children who are overweight are more likely to develop diabetes or heart disease in later life and are more likely be obese as adults. Sadly it is not just their health that is an issue. Overweight children can also be affected by teasing or bullying, low self-esteem, or difficulty in being active (for example, getting breathless quickly). Even if a child is not overweight or obese, it is important that they eat healthily and are physically active.There is a lot of evidence out there to suggest that, if children exercise regularly and eat healthily, they will respond much better in the classroom – more likely giving them a good foundation to succeed in the future. I would like to mention also that Jamie Oliver is now in his third year campaigning to ban junk food in schools and have children eating fresh, tasty nutritious food instead. He, along with the UK government, has been promoting five-a-day fruit and veg intake – not just for children but for adults as well. I am not suggesting our children should be over conscious about their weight – size zero is zero impressive – but just maintain their fitness and have a healthier lifestyle. If children can use the habit now then they are more likely to use the same habit in adult life.Perhaps it’s us parents who need to ensure that our children are getting enough exercise. So just how much is enough? (foto Stacie de Proteam Fitness) According to Stacie of Proteam Fitness, “A child who is active will have stronger muscles and bones; have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat; be less likely to become overweight; have lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and possibly lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels; and have a better outlook on life. “In addition to the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges.”Improving strength doesn't have to mean lifting weights. Although some children benefit from lifting weights, it should be done under the supervision of an experienced trainer who works with children.All children two years and older should get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise on most, preferably all, days of the week. Fitness, good nutrition and a balanced diet help kids to grow up healthy.Here are the current activity recommendations for children, according to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE):| Age | Minimum Daily Activity | Comments |
| Infant | No specific requirements | Physical activity should encourage motor development. |
| Toddler | 1 ½ hours | Thirty minutes planned physical activity AND 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play). |
| Pre-schooler | 2 hours | Sixty minutes planned physical activity AND 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play). |
| School age | 1 hour or more | Break up into bouts of 15 minutes or more. |
International football club with boys and girls team for ages 6-19. Run by experienced coaching; staff opposite La Canada in Marbella – Tel. 637 293 285; info@afamarbella.com.MARBELLA NETBALL CLUB
Coached by professional Irish netball player Audrey Spearing, girls netball club on Friday evenings at Aloha Gardens – marbellantballclub@gmail.com.BORN TO BE WILD
Jeep and dolphin eco-tours for the whole family. Open 9am-8pm. Blue Dolphin Beach Club, Estepona Beach – Tel. 639 720 246.CABLE SKI MARBELLA
Water ski cable system and pool. Open 11am-9pm (closed Mondays). Urb. Las Medranas, San Pedro – Tel. 952 785 579.CLUB HIPICO 'EL JINETE'
English-run riding stables. Lessons for children of all ages and standards. La Cala de Mijas – Tel. 952 932 209.ESCUELA DE ARTE ECUESTRE
Daily training and weekly show on Fridays featuring Andalucian horses. CN340 Km 159, Estepona – Tel. 952 808 077.
