All too often, clients of mine ask if I have any tips to help them motivate their kids to get active and moving.
It’s no surprise, with staggering childhood obesity statistics emerging with more and more profound numbers, such as the increases of childhood obesity, from 5 percent in 1964 (our parents/grandparents), to nearly 20 percent today (their kids).
What used to be considered adult onset diabetes, taking nearly 40 to 50 years to develop, is now referred to by its more generic name of type 2 diabetes, since it no longer afflicts only adults. In fact, its occurrence in children, some less than 10 years old, is increasing at an alarming rate.
Diabetes is a disease whereby the body has altered regulation of blood sugar levels and some degree of altered insulin function. Type 1 is genetic, and usually occurs early in life. In this instance, the pancreas produces little to no insulin, so injections are needed, or oral insulin is taken to control the disease.
Type 2 generally is considered acquired. Lack of activity and high calorie intakes lead to weight gain. This weight gain alters cell response to the hormone insulin, leading to insulin resistance. In an attempt to remove sugar from the blood, the pancreas puts out even more insulin.
Chronically elevated blood sugar and insulin levels are major contributing factors to coronary artery disease. The good news is the solution is quite simple—move more and eat less (and better). Taking simple steps to increase activity and remove useless calories from the diet have proven effective in the reduction of excess body fat, as well as the elimination of diabetes-related symptoms. In fact, simply increasing physical activity, regardless of diet change, can begin to lower blood sugar and, therefore, insulin levels.
With the reduction and elimination of physical education classes in schools, kids become more and more sedentary each year. This will only add to the increasing numbers of obese children and the continual decline in healthy lifestyles. With declines in healthy lifestyles, comes a greater amount of time spent in front of the TV, which is capitalized on by fast food marketing ads.
Studies have been conducted regarding TV marketing to children between the ages of 2 and 4 years old. They show that children in this age group, who watch television, are more likely to choose fast food products over children who do not watch TV. The makers of junk food are smart—hook their consumers at a young age, and get a customer for life.
The fitness industry recognizes the need to address childhood obesity, but not many facilities take a role in providing the option for the parents. At the Hit Center, we offer Kids Camp and Youth Fitness programs rather than a room to corral the children in while the parents pursue a healthy lifestyle.
We want to include the kids, and the American College of Sports Medicine has found children are perfectly capable of exercising within certain guidelines. The entire Hit Center training staff strictly upholds these guidelines. We want to create a healthy environment, incorporating play and games, to help develop the idea in children that fitness and exercise are fun. This philosophy is something they can carry with them as they grow and develop into healthy adults and ultimately share with their own children.
Check out this month’s ad on page 5 for a great deal on getting your children moving for summer!
For more information about the Hit Center and programs for you or your children, call (480) 981-0600.