Physical Fitness

Contributions to obesity in children are lack of physical activity and poor diet. Obese children are more likely to become obese in adulthood, and develop heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions. In order for teacher’s to talk with children about obesity prevention efforts, they need to fully understand current information relevant to nutrition and physical activity in the childcare setting. According to Robertson (2010), “Childhood obesity is now the most prevalent nutrition disease in children 18 years old and younger. Obesity/overweight is an epidemic that relates to both the health of children today and to their increased risk for adult morbidity and mortality” (p. 259). Obesity lowers self-esteem and has a pour effect on peer relationships and social acceptance. Listed below are several effects to childhood obesity

*Physical, nutritional, economic, familial, and psychological factors are all results from combination of childhood obesity.

*Diabetes mellitus, pediatric hypertension, and certain cancers can all be developed from childhood obesity.

*To choose healthy physical activity as well as foods schools should offer programs to teach children to do this.

*The fast food and portion size of foods children consumes from schools, restaurants, and early childhood education environment are nutritional factors.

*The nutrition education can help families shop for a healthier selection of foods and encourage children to make better choices away from home.

Robertson (2010) states, “This Kid’s Activity Pyramid gives children activities that they should cut down on and activities they can do by themselves or with their friends and family. Project skip, which stands for Successful Kinesthetic Instruction for Preschoolers, the regular physical activity incorporated into early childhood education environment” (p. 265). Children will achieve a healthy level of activity as part of their fitness regime if they are given goals for physical activity to reach. Neutral connections in the brain are created from time spent in physical activity. Large motor activities offer preschool and school-aged children the exercise they need. Children’s gross motor or locomotor developments are important during their preschool years. There are several motor activities that come naturally to children, running, skipping, jumping, hopping, walking and climbing. Parents and teachers should encourage children to have fun and join the child and play with him. Parents and teachers can help the child to build confidence.

 When teachers provide a well-balanced diet to help obese children, they can help children learn to select high-nutrient-density foods and teach them to limit their low-nutrient-density foods. The consumption of sweetened beverages and juices should be reduced. “Teachers can increase the amount of energy output by planning exercises and other organized physical activities and offering free time for physical play” (Robertson, 2010, p. 263). Toddlers enjoy running, jumping, climbing, throwing a ball, walking, kicking a ball and dancing.

“Children’s activity has a positive impact on their physical development, cognitive development, social /emotional development. The physical activity contributes to a range of health benefits, experiences and challenges”. (Physical activity for children, 2012 p. 1). Parents should help their children be physically active every day. They should model the healthy fitness habits they want their children to learn, and limit the television time and other non-physical activities. “Parents can also make health food choices for the entire family which should include 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, and never skip which breakfast it is the most important meal of the day. When parents make plans by following established positive habits, your children will benefit and continue to follow your lead”. (How Eating, Exercising and Being Healthy Now Affects Your Children Later, 2008).

“Physical fitness is crucial in everyone’s life, but is especially crucial in a child’s life during the early childhood years. The importance of physical fitness for young children includes the following in order to: instill healthy fitness habits at a young age, encourage development and growth, practice new movement skills, increase movement skill level, and prevent obesity” (Physical activity for children, 2012, p. 1). If your child has a weakness, teach them how to turn it into strength. These are two inspirational quotes: The only Failure is not trying. – Kevin Heath, When you give a little of yourself to a child, you give a little of yourself to their future! – Kevin Heath

Physical activity helps foster development and growth, and improves skill level. Physical activity can lead to a more active, sociable lifestyle, resulting a positive relationships and high self-esteem. Physical activity patterns developed in childhood can last through adulthood. (Goodway & Robinson, 2006).Physical fitness, along with good nutrition habits can help “reduce health risk” (Team Nutrition Iowa, 2009). It can help prevent health problems, such as obesity/overweight and cardiovascular disease (Child Safety, Nutrition, and Health 2009).

References:

Child Safety, Nutrition, and Health (2009). Retrieved April 7, 2012 from

            http://nlpittman32.blogspot.com/2009/04/physical-fitness.html

How Eating, Exercising and Being Healthy Now Affects Your Children Later (2008). Retrieved

April 7, 2012 from http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/how-eating-exercising-and-being-healthy-now-affects-your-children-later-613014.html

Parenting and Motional Quotes to live by (2012). Retrieved April 7, 2012 from

            http://www.more4kids.info/1020/parenting-and-motivational-quotes-to-live-by/

Physical activity for children (2009). Retrieved April 7, 2012 from Goodway, J. D., & Robinson, L. E. (2006, March). SKIPing toward an active start: Promoting physical activity in preschoolers. Beyond the Journal: Young Children on the Web. Retrieved March 31, 2009 from http://www.journal.naeyc.org/btj/200605/GoodwayBTJ.asp

Robertson, C. (2010). Safety, Nutrition, and Health in Early Education (4^th Ed) Belmont: Wadsworth/CENGAGE Learning.