A registered nurse from Maryland has simple advice for parents who are looking for help in their efforts to control their children's weight: Let the kids play.

"Physical play can help children discover what their bodies can do. They'll increase their skills and gain the confidence to try new things. Children confident in their abilities are more likely to interact with other children and develop emotionally, socially, cognitively - and, of course, physically."

Playing comes naturally to kids. Oftentimes it's the parents who hinder it, worried that it isn't safe for their kids to be outside or that they're going to get hurt. But the kind of physical play that kids come by instinctively is just what they need to develop an active, healthy lifestyle. Source: ModernMedicine.com.

Labels: basics, fitness, prevention

Last year, North Carolina celebrated its inaugural "Talk a Child Outside Week." This year, the week-long focus on walking and exercise was recognized across the country.

"'Take A Child Outside Week' is designed to encourage outside play and exploration to combat obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control more than 17 percent of children are obese, and millions more are overweight. Experts believe outside play and exploration for as little as 30 minutes a day can combat the trend."

"Take A Child Outside Week" ran through Tuesday, September 30th. Source: Tallahassee Democrat

Labels: exercise, fitness

Lori Comshaw was actively involved in her running group in Washington State. When she moved to Georgia, she discovered that her city didn't have a running program for young people.

"She decided to create a program to give kids a chance to become marathon runners...The Aiken Parks and Recreation Department's two-month running program challenges children from kindergarten through fifth grade to run a mile a day, and up to five miles a week, from Aug. 22 to Oct 25."

The program culminates in a 1.2 mile run, brining the kids' total miles up to 26.2 - equal to a marathon. All the children get T-shirts and a race number, and they run the final 1.2 miles together. Source: The Augusta Chronicle

Labels: exercise, fitness

BodyWorks, was launched by the Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health in 2006. The program trains instructors on health and fitness, with the goal that these instructors will the information back to their communities and start local programs.

"Girls 9 to 13 years old who are overweight or obese are referred to BodyWorks through their pediatrician, or by word of mouth. Parents and caregivers attend 10 weekly 90-minute sessions, and girls are expected to show up for at least three. The goal is to give parents and caregivers 'hands-on tools to make small behavior changes to prevent obesity and help maintain a healthier weight.'"

Though local communities have to pay for trainers and facilities, the training materials are provided free of charge through the DHSS. There are currently 1,700 BodyWorks instructors in 43 states, and about 700 parents and caregivers have also completed the program. Source: Daily Times

Labels: community, fitness, health

The best role models kids can have for physical activity and healthy eating are their parents. Studies have shown that overweight parents are far more likely to have overweight children. With spring right around corner, there are lots of things the family can do to increase physical activity.

"Limit the amount of time you watch television. By doing this, you will find it easier to limit the amount of time your child watches TV and movies, or plays video and computer games. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum of two hours of viewing time for children each day."

Pick some favorite family outdoor activities like playing Frisbee, hiking, or gardening. Modeling a healthy lifestyle while kids are young will go a long way toward ensuring they become healthy adults. Read more at SeattlePI.com.

Wellspring offers a family camp geared to getting families on the road to a healthy lifestyle. Learn more at WellspringFamilyCamp.com.

Labels: families, fitness, role_models

A recent Kaiser Family Foundation study found that the average American child spends 44 hours a week in front of an electronic screen (computer, television, etc.). As concern over childhood obesity continues, people like Richard Louv – author of "Last Child in the Woods" – are suggesting that it's time for families to schedule less and play more.

"...a growing wave of research indicates that children who spend time outdoors are healthier, overall, than their indoor counterparts. Children who regularly spend unstructured time outside play more creatively, have lower stress levels, have more active imaginations, become more active and fitter, develop stronger immune systems, experience fewer symptoms of ADD and ADHD, have greater respect for themselves, for others and for the environment."

To give parents some ideas for outdoor play, the National Wildlife Federation has created a website: www.greenhour.org on which it offers ideas for backyard adventures and outdoor exploration.

Labels: exercise, fitness, playgrounds

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona is launching its third consecutive Walk On! program, an initiative designed to promote healthier living among school children. In its first two years, the programs saw thousands of students take billions of steps, literally, toward more active lifestyles.

"BCBAZ has enhanced the Walk On! Challenge for 2008 to inspire even more Arizona fifth-graders around the state to walk. Enhancements include Walk4Life pedometers, subject-specific lesson ideas selected from submissions by teachers statewide and more incentives for participants."

Last year, 10,000 students participated in Walk On!, and walked more than 3 billion steps.

Labels: exercise, fitness, healthy_living

A seminar this past Tuesday focused on teaching Head Start administrators about a new project being used to combat childhood obesity. The program is called "I am Learning, I am Moving" and uses songs to get children up and moving.

"[Dr. Linda] Carson said a big reason childhood obesity has reached a crisis mode in our country is physical inactivity. 'Our children need to be encouraged to be physically active', Carson said."

The program also stresses healthy choices for meals and snacks. Read more at CBS46.com.

Schools can help kids get an education in fitness, nutrition, and living a health lifestyle. Read Getting an Education in Fitness to see what schools can do to help combat childhood obesity.

Labels: education, fitness, schools

Overtime Fitness Inc., in Mountain View, California, is one of the only gyms in the country that caters to teenagers. Founded by Patrick Ferrell, Overtime offers traditional fitness equipment as well as activities that appeal specifically to teens.

"Overtime, which opened in September and still hasn't turned a profit, is entering the market as established chains are trying to get kids to become lifetime members. San Ramon-based 24 Hour Fitness just started 'Hoopology,' a summer basketball pilot program in the San Francisco Bay Area for boys and girls ages 8-17."

Currently, the company is considering asking local businesses to fund membership for lower-income teens. Read more at KSDK.com.

Labels: exercise, fitness, gyms

Because May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, it's a great time to get your kids involved in some kind of sport or physical activity.

"Although some parents try to avoid youth sports until their kids are older, like 9 or 10 years old, because they want to avoid what they think is a competitive environment for their younger children, it is important to remember that most youth sports for younger kids are noncompetitive."

Even so, some kids don't like team sports. But parents should encourage their kids to try individual sports like swimming or tennis. Read more at Pediatrics.About.com.

Labels: exercise, fitness, sports