Play
Every Day
Article published in the Bennington Banner
Friday, February 6, 2004
The rapidly increasing rates of overweight and obesity
among all age groups is an important health concern. Young children
who are
overweight are much more likely to be obese as older children and
adults.
Being overweight increases the risks of heart disease, stroke,
diabetes, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, gout, and certain
types of cancer. Overweight children are subjected to discrimination,
social stigma, low self-esteem, and depression.
There are lots of factors causing this epidemic but increasing
physical activity is one way we can start reversing this trend.
Children may be busy but not physically active.
Less than one in four children gets even 30 minutes of physical
activity a day.
Two to 5 year olds watch about 25 hours of television a week.
Infants need safe settings that do not restrict movement - use
a rug or blanket for floor play. Play peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake; select
safe, bright colored play objects.
Toddlers aged 1 to 2 years old should have at least 30 minutes
of structured physical activity and at least one hour of unstructured
physical activity daily. They shouldn't be inactive for more than
60 minutes at a time except when sleeping.
Children 3 to 5 years old should have 60 minutes of structured
and 60 minutes of unstructured play daily.
Again, they should not be inactive for more than 60 minutes except
when sleeping.
Most active play occurs outdoors. Add your own fun activities to
the list below:
- Build a snowman
- Go snowshoeing
- Take a winter walk
- Attend Success by Six playgroups
- Look for early signs of spring
- Find animal tracks
- Go sledding
Children love music; look for tapes with action songs and choreographed
movement. Marching in a pretend land is always fun. They will need
some guidance in developing some skills like jumping, balancing,
throwing, and kicking.
The WIC program at the Vermont Department of Health offers every
family with a 3 year old a FitWIC kit, which promotes physical
activity and creative play. For more information, call the Department
of Health at 447-3531.
Love and accept your child. Your child is more important than
his or her weight. Give your child love, attention, praise, and
respect. Ask other family members to do the same.
Remember to play every day!
Carol Pizzo is a public health nurse at the Vermont Department
of Health and is the health and safety consultant for Healthy Childcare
VT.
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