The ‘E’ Word
Exercise. Mention it to a child these days and you’re likely to be met with a look that could cut ice. Combine it with Winter and you’ll be lucky not to be disowned by your offspring.
But it’s important to get our children moving. Our modern sedentary lifestyle means children are more likely to be found watching TV or playing computer games than running around or playing football. As a result, almost a third of children (aged 2-15) in England are overweight with nearly a fifth of those being obese. Obesity can lead to problems with health, including an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.
The Department of Health recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, and of a moderate intensity, so they are slightly out of breath, but not so much they can’t talk. This amount of exercise a day will help to strengthen bones and muscle as well as prevent obesity. Whilst pre-schoolers seem to relish in running around until they run out of steam, the same can’t be said of everyone.
But before you pack your exercise-averse child off to boot camp, there are many activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family, so everyone gets to benefit, and they don’t require you to don a tracksuit.
The great outdoors
When it’s been raining solidly for days on end, then venturing outside may not seem like the best idea. But when we do get a crisp, dry day, wrap up warm and head outside.
- We’re lucky here in Sussex to have some fabulous parkland that make for great walks, and many have activities for children. Venture to Ashdown Forest and take one of the two walks designed to take in some of the places that Winnie the Pooh had adventures.
- If you’re lucky enough to live in or near Crawley, then make the most of Venture Play – four outdoor adventure playgrounds designed for children 6 years and over (younger children are permitted but must be fully supervised). Each playground has its own distinctive theme, with activities such as zip wire, climbing wall, tree house and giant slides. Best of all is that the playgrounds cost only £1.20 per visitor on Saturdays and school holidays and free of charge on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons during term-time. Look at these website http://www.crawley.gov.uk/ventureplay for more information.
- Snow! The white stuff is guaranteed to get children of all ages playing outside, whether it’s engaging in a snowball fight, building a snowman or sledging down a hill. So be prepared and gather a spare hat and scarf to decorate Frosty, and invest in a sledge so you’re not caught out on the next snowy day. Now that the spring weather is returning the flowers and the increasing warmth will definitely tempt them outside.
Indoor fun
Staying indoors doesn’t have to mean sitting in front of the TV. Today’s youngsters have a wealth of indoor activities that weren’t available in their grandparent’s day.
- A trip to the public baths conjures up visions of doing lengths and shivering by the poolside. But today’s modern swimming pools offer so much fun, with water features, flume rides and inflatable sessions.
- Leisure pools are available at Pavilions in the Park in Horsham http://www.thepavilionsinthepark.co.uk
- Olympos in Burgess Hill see http://www.olymposcentres.com or http://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk
- Uckfield Leisure Centre see http://www.waveleisure.co.uk
- Lewes Leisure Centre also provides free swimming sessions for the under 16’s – one of only three councils in Sussex to participate in the government’s free swimming scheme.
- Indoor activity centres, with multi-level play frames, slides, ball ponds and soft toys for the younger children, have sprung up all over Sussex. Making your way through the twists and turns, whilst avoiding foam obstacles, is exercise cleverly disguised as fun, and an hour or more can easily pass.
- Engaging your child in an activity class when they’re young may plant the seed for a lasting hobby and ensure a healthier lifestyle as they get older. There are a wide range of activities available, from various styles of dance for children as young as three, trampolining and martial arts, as well as the more traditional cricket, football, rugby and gymnastics.
Can we fix it?
If your child is overweight, and the thought of participating in a form of exercise fills them with horror, then take a look at the MEND programme.
Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It! is a social enterprise working with local authorities to provide healthy living programmes for families with children aged 2-13 years. Developed by experts in child health, the MEND programme helps families with children who are above the healthy weight range for their age and height, learn how to lead healthier lifestyles. Incorporating ten weekly sessions, the programme combines active play, parent discussion groups and family workshops. The active play sessions help to improve agility, balance and co-ordination and also build confidence.
The MEND programmes are run in conjunction with Mid Sussex District Council and Olympos Leisure Centres, and are free of charge. Find out more at:
http://www.mend.org.ukwww.mend.org.uk or by calling Jackie on 01903 708437
About the author
This article was first published in ‘Playtime – The family magazine for Central Sussex’
Contact Emma Buckley for more information hello@playtimemagazine.co.uk
www.playtimemagazine.co.uk
Article copyright YourDoc Medical Ltd 2010. All rights reserved.
