By 2020 one third of girls, one fifth of boys and at least one third of adults, will be obese, according to a report published by Royal College of Physicians. Children and beginning to be affected by diseases that are usually found in middle aged or older people, such as Type 2 Diabetes, heart diseases and even oestoarthritis.
"This report highlights the terrifying health consequences of the obesity epidemic that will particularly impact on our children and we have the power to curb this if not stop it happening" says Lynn Squire Children�s Fitness Consultant. � It is very easy to sit back and allow this to happen. Many Mum�s work these days and finding time to activate kids and provide healthy nutritious meals can be a real challenge, but we have to take positive steps to address this major issue for our societies future.�
"The UK has the lowest physical activity for school children in Europe, and the problem is worst in the most vulnerable groups who are also the most socially deprived," said Sian Griffiths, president of the Faculty of Public Health.
Almost half of the Uk's children spend at least two hours a day watching TV. While this may sound harmless enough, numerous studies have come out showing that TV is definitely taking its toll on our children.
For instance, a study in the April 2004 journal Paediatrics found that every added hour of watching TV increased a child�s odds of having attention problems at age 7 by about 10 percent Those who watched for three hours a day between the ages of 1 and 3 were 30 percent more likely to have attention trouble at age 7 than those viewing no TV.
The notion that kids watch far too much TV is not a new one, but add this with their lack of exercise and the fact that TV marketers create very effective ads that will unquestionably mould your child's views and food choices and ultimately their desire to eat the attractively packaged often nutrient free, junk food is increased.
Although you may be accustomed to turning on the TV to entertain your kids (or yourself), there are many other options out there helping you to minimize TV watching to no more than a few hours per WEEK. Here are 20 to get you started.
1. Take a walk
2. Play outside
3. Cook a meal together
4. Hide and seek
5. Play a board game
6. Talk about your day
7. Play some sports
8. Walk the dog (borrow one if you need to!)
9. Run relay races with friends
10. Practise skipping
11. Put on some music and dance
12. Go on a 'treasure hunt' around the house or neighbourhood
13. Play catch or Frisbee
14. Make a "fort" out of blankets and pillows
15. Ride bikes
16. Write a letter (with pen and paper!) to a friend or relative
17. Do a fitness video
18. Write a story
19. Act out a story
20. Play charades
Report for Can Do Campaign 2005 -by Lynn Squire Kids Freestyle Fitness Instructor.