Welcome to a new category of my blog simply called ‘Healthy Tips.’ Many times, when I write articles for various publications, I need to find sources for the story. Recently, I wrote an article for Yahoo Shine (click here) and PBS (click here) about keeping kids healthy. I was looking for experts and parents to chime in and give their favorite ‘tips’ to help kids (and their families) lead a healthy lifestyle.
The feedback for the story was amazing. The sources had some fantastic points of view that could not be ignored, and I thought their opinions should be viewed on the Your Health Journal web site.
So, enjoy my new series, with some ‘great’ insight from some ‘great’ people giving exceptional and educational points of view.
Why is exercising as a family so important? First of all, exercise itself is crucial to a healthy life, not only in terms of physiology, but also in terms of the way the brain functions, AND LEARNS. Aerobic exercise turns on the attentional and executive functions of the brain. It does this by its beneficial impact on certain neurotransmitter levels, increasing the bio-availability of these. In essence, the brain is a series of neural networks, the learning pathways of which are heavily dependent on norepinephrine and dopamine, in addition to others. Aerobic exercise has
been proven to increase the synthesis and bio-availability of these. Secondly, some people are simply more kinisthetic than others. They are hands-on learners who learn and produce best when a learning activity incorporates the body. I have seen amazing results with younger children on a trampoline. I have worked with dozens of them on times tables, memorization, and listening comprehension on a trampoline, and the results were simply amazing. Families need to exercise together because we learn best from those we are closest to. The family that plays together, stays together. We learn how to live by the example we get at home.
Aerobic video games, like Dance, Dance Revolution (DDR), comprise a powerful tool. I recommend that families augment their video game arsenal with these types of aerobic games, and, even better, play them as a family. The Wii gaming system is one I highly recommend because it has multiple aerobic options. The Wii Fit, for example, provides a compelling combination of exercise and fun. Many of my cyber-addicted clients struggle with weight issues. Systems like the Wii Fit help beat them “at their own game.” This approach allows you to go with the grain, making use of a tool that kids already love.
I also recommend EA Sports Active NFL Training Camp for an active workout with a theme that will please and engage any sports fan. It’s like you’re actually in a legitimate NFL training camp, rather than sitting in your arm chair getting fat while you watch your team play on TV! For younger children, I recommend Nickelodeon Fit. The game is packed with 30 scientifically-developed and designed exercises that target a variety of fitness areas that are important for healthy physical development in children. Nickelodeon Fit is the perfect way for parents to ensure that their young children remain active as they are entertained by their favorite cartoon characters. This game helps set an early tone with children that exercise is important. Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort offer dozens of game applications that exercise the mind and engage the body, and can be played with the whole family. By making use of some of these options, you help create balance for your children, and you might even find that family time is increased and improved. If you do not have the Wii, most game consoles come with aerobic options. Check them out. GREATOPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILY TIME!
Parents are working more hours, sometimes for less pay, and so it is becoming increasingly common for children to raise themselves. It is imperative, however, that parents find a way to set limits so they can save their children from wallowing their lives away in front of a computer screen or video game console. When we are tired out from a long day, exercising is the last thing we want to do, but if we force ourselves, exercise will actually give us energy, help us stay more focused, and give us a greater feeling of well being. Get up, move, and do it as a family!
– Kevin J. Roberts, M.A., Author of Cyber Junkie: Escape the Gaming and Internet Trap* (Hazelden 2010) Movers, Dreamers, and Risk Takers: Unlocking the Power of ADHD (Hazelden 2012)