Getting Your Kids Up and Moving This Summer

Getting Your Kids Up and Moving This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to instill in your children the love and the fun of outdoor activities. There’s no doubt about it; kids are much more sedentary these days, and childhood obesity is a chronic problem.

Kids play outdoors much less now than decades ago, and many factors go into the equation. Parents often have concerns about kids playing outdoors without supervision, and with the hectic lifestyle of most two-worker families, parents don’t have the time. Poor coordination skills and cuts to school recess and sports programs may have an effect. Children are often encouraged to play safely indoors, without the worry of outdoor activities. They have a lot of entertainment available to them now on their screens, which unfortunately promotes sitting and inactivity.

But grab the waning days of summer and reverse this trend! A simple walk to the park after dinner as part of the family routine can build bonds, happiness and physical health. Outdoor hopscotch on the driveway, trips to the local nature center or the zoo, skateboarding parks and events and even bike riding can help kids breathe in fresh air and work their muscles, helping them sleep better at night too.

As parents, the more active you are, the better example you set for your children, and the more likely they are to embrace physical activities. Experts have found that if children just moved around for an hour each day, the obesity rate would fall. Beginning at a young age, involve your kids in age-appropriate physical activities. Let them choose what they would like to try, and if one activity doesn’t fit, move on.

Activity promotes wellness and wellness yields health and happiness. If you or someone you know is missing out due to pain, stiffness, numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, wrist or elbow, reach out to Dr. Rehman today. She will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the problem, and will design a comprehensive program to regain strength, mobility and range of motion. So you can get back out there and have outdoor fun with your family in the glorious remaining days of summer!