Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

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

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School playgrounds and recreational facilities could play a major role in helping to combat childhood obesity - but only if they remain open and accessible, says a recent RAND corporation study.

In many low-income areas where there is limited or no access to neighborhood parks, children are often heavier and more sedentary. Access to playgrounds, basketball courts and paved playing surfaces - such as those found in schools - could help to increase opportunities for physical activity. But many schools are closing their doors and their playground areas on weekends, researchers found.

Of those areas observed in the study, Washington/Baltimore, Tucson, and New Orleans schools were least likely to have unlocked schools with accessible facilities.

Labels: schools, exercise, playgrounds

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School playgrounds and athletic fields could help reduce childhood obesity by giving children near-by places to run and play. However, recent studies have shown that many of these places are closed and locked on weekends.

"Girls who lived near locked schools tended to be heavier, and neighborhoods with locked schools were disproportionately poor and had larger minority populations', lead author Molly M. Scott, a RAND research analyst, said in a prepared statement."

Where public playgrounds and parks are lacking or unavailable, school playgrounds can offer children accessible, safe recreation areas... if they're unlocked. Read more at BabyCenter.com.

Labels: exercise, neighborhoods, playgrounds

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The Early Childhood Center at First Covenant Church in Omaha, Nebraska is one of many child care centers that are shifting their focus away from TV and board games, and toward nature centers and parks. The Childhood Center has claimed a small section of land, on which kids plant seeds, dig in the dirt and even find the occasional centipede.

“Researchers, educators and conservationists say many children today are missing the opportunity for unstructured play and exploration in nature. The Nature Exploration program helps centers design outdoor spaces, train staff to use them to full advantage and get families involved.” [Source: Omaha World-Herald]

There are currently 10 childhood programs in Nebraska that have been certified through the Nature Explore program, and there are about 36 across the United States.

Initiatives that encourage children to play outdoors are seen by many experts as important components in a comprehensive effort to reverse rising rates of childhood overweight and obesity.

 

Labels: exercise, playgrounds

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 0 Comments

This year, over 115 cities across the country have been named as 2010 Playful City USA communities. Florida topped the list, with 19 Playful cities, and Arizona and California tied for second place with ten communities each. The cities are chosen based upon their promotion of healthy physical activites among young people.

Playful City USA communities are making a commitment to play and physical activity by developing unique local action plans to increase the quantity and quality of play in their community.

In doing so, some of the most innovative ideas and cost-effective programs are being developed in Playful City USA communities – proving that parks and play are more important than ever. [Source: Los Cerritos (CA) News]

The cities are selected by KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization committed to promoting play and outdoor activities for kids. Its vision is to provide creative playspaces “within walking distance of every child.”

Labels: exercise, playgrounds

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The Walt Disney Company plans to spend $1 million to build playgrounds in ten underserved communities and to create a series of public service announcements aimed to inspire young people to eat healthy foods and to exercise more.

Disney's "Magic of Living" campaign will work in conjunction with First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiatives as another way to reverse the trends of childhood obesity in the United States.

Nearly one in five American children ages six to 19 is obese, which is three times the rate in 1980.

"We are very proud to take the next step in a long-term commitment to helping families achieve healthier lifestyles, and are especially gratified to work with the First Lady on the 'Let's Move' campaign, said Bob Iger, president of the Disney company.
 

Labels: prevention, awareness, playgrounds

Posted By: My Overweight Child 1 Comment