Over one-fifth of children throughout the United States experience obesity, putting them at risk for serious chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, joint and breathing problems, and type two diabetes. This is partially due to the fact that less than a quarter of children between the ages of six and 17 engage in at least an hour of physical activity each day.
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective tools for preventing childhood obesity. It also offers additional benefits such as improved cognitive performance and classroom behavior.
There are many recreational options for children to choose from. Unfortunately, non-physical activities such as video games and social media compete for their attention and are more easily accessible than physical activities. Therefore, it’s important that parents make physical activities as equally appealing and engaging as possible. Here are a few effective ways this can be achieved:
- Focus on fun: Kids are much more likely to stick with something that they find enjoyable. The desire to become more skilled, play with friends, or feel a greater sense of self-confidence may all factor into this enjoyment. If they’d like to explore an activity that they believe may be fun or are already enjoying something they’re starting to participate in, encourage them to keep it up and do what you can to facilitate it.
- Try different activities with your child: Kids may not have much interest in sports or other activities that have no previous positive connotations in their minds. Trying out a few different activities with them yourself not only provides a reference point, but allows for bonding opportunities with you and all who participate.
- Make exercise rewarding: Even if you succeed in getting your child interested in a particular activity, they may devote too much time to it at the expense of other obligations such as academics. Emphasize that recreational activity, while important, is a reward for keeping up with prioritized obligations.
If your child is experiencing medical problems preventing them from participating in physical activities, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-3007.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.