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It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how technology, coupled with "life on the run" has affected our society. Sure, it's wonderful to be able to search the internet, communicate with other continents and fly to the moon but think back to your own childhood. What did you do after school? I bet you didn't sit in front of a VCR or play video games. Yet, that's exactly what we are allowing our children to do. Whatever happened to playing outside? For all intensive purposes, I believe it may be extinct. Add to this the growing number of fast food establishments and the amount of meals eaten outside of the home. It seems like there is a fast food place on every street corner, which tells me that fast food must be good business. I bet it is but think about it - is it really good for our children's health? How many times did you eat outside of the home when you were growing up? Back in my childhood days, the major fast food restaurant merely served "millions" of burgers. If I'm not mistaken, it's beyond billions now. I think you get the picture. **Fast food and lack of physical activity are major contributors to the big decline in the health of our children.** Prevention of childhood obesity should be our number one goal. It is a well documented fact that obesity, with or without uncontrolled diabetes, can effect every major organ in the body and reduce one's life expectancy. The younger one is when they become overweight, the greater potential there is for suffering from complications and early death. So! How do we, as parents, change the lifestyle our children have become accustomed to? For starters, take a look at your own lifestyle behaviors.
What example are you setting for your children? Children learn by seeing and eating behaviors are a learned trait. The habits your children develop in their youth will most likely remain with them throughout adulthood. Now look at your activity level. How much actual physical activity do you fit into your daily schedule? (I know you may do a lot of walking in your current job but that doesn't count. I'm talking real exercise here.) When is the last time you rode a bike or simply went for a walk? Remember back in the days when gym class was something we had to take every day? Nowadays, children are lucky to have gym class once a week. When you consider this decrease in activity coupled with an increase in poor eating habits, it's no wonder we're raising heavier unfit youngsters. ** Children learn by example - how is your example? ** - next - Is
there really a problem? |
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