Get Active in the Summer

      Our current constantly “on-the-go” culture of today’s society makes for less time for adults and children to be active. Down time is used to sit in the front of the television, computer, or video game console to relax and forget about the daily stress of life.  Let’s Move says, “eight to 18 year old adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media and only one-third of high school students get the recommended levels of physical activity” (Let’s Move, 2010b). With the lack of physical activity, obesity rates have been on the rise. The World Health Organization defines overweight and obesity as, “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health” (World Health Organization, 2013). According to the American Heart Association, “levels of adult and childhood obesity continue to rise with 65% of all adults being overweight or obese” (American Heart Association, 2012b). Currently, approximately 17% of youth aged two through 19 are obese” (President’s Council). Another influence on our sedentary lifestyle is due to our type of workplace environment. With more time being spent at work, 47 hours a week, there is less time to be out exercising instead of doing an expense report in front of the computer (American Heart Association, 2012b).

  America needs to start working towards fixing the current situation that is causing the high levels of obesity in our society. Individually there are certain tasks everyone can do: “limit energy intake from total fats, increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains, and nuts, limit the intake of sugars, engage in regular physical activity, and achieve energy balance and a healthy weight” (World Health Organization, 2013). For the younger generations, parents can help out with teaching and aiding kids in applying these tasks to their daily lives. It is recommended that “children should participate in an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily” (Let’s Move, 2010a). While “adults require a half hour of moderate exercise a day” (American Heart Association, 2012a). Let’s Move and the American Heart Association provide great ideas for ways to get the family active throughout the year. Starting within the home can help create ways for kids to start making healthier decisions that they can use in the community and later on in life.

  With the creation of virtual pinboards, they have enabled people to share ideas regarding: food, travel, crafts, and so much more. Pinterest provided great ways for kids to be active that also involve participation from the parents. Getting the whole family involved in summer activities is a great way to get healthy together. For those cooler summer nights families can play flashlight tag, glow stick hide-and-seek, or go on flashlight/glow stick hunts (Childhood Beckons, 2012). The list is endless of activities that can be done throughout the summer. Ways to stay active with the kids inside on a very hot or rainy day through scavenger hunts or other indoor activities. The best aspect of these pinboards is the access to different ideas for families to get active and they all can be done at a very low cost. 

References

American Heart Association. (2012a). Physical activity improves quality of life. Retrieved from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/StartWalking/Physical-activity-improves-quality-of-life_UCM_307977_Article.jsp.

American Heart Association. (2012b). The price of inactivity. Retrieved from: http:// www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/StartWalking/The-Price-of-Inactivity_UCM_307974_Article.jsp. 

Joyce. (2012, April 16). 15 ways to have fun outside- in the dark. Retrieved from: http://www.childhoodbeckons.com/2012/04/15-ways-to-have-fun-outside-in-dark.html.

Let’s Move. (2010a). Active families. Retrieved from: http://www.letsmove.gov/active-families.

Let’s Move. (2010b). Learn the facts. Retrieved from: http://www.letsmove.gov/learn-facts/epidemic-childhood-obesity.

World Health Organization. (2013). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/index.html.