By Katrina Mailloux
HQ 72 | WINTER 2010
Once upon a time, we as kids would ask our parents, “Can we go outside and play?” And our parents would respond, “Sure, just be back in time for dinner.” In fact, I can remember one neighborhood mom who would say, “Go outside and play; it’s too pretty outside to be indoors.” She would promptly send the kids out, lock the door and let them in when they had received what she believed to be the requisite amount of activity. During that time, no one had computers, video games or cell phones. Kids played games of tag, kickball and hide-and-seek for hours and entertained themselves until it was time to head home.
It’s sounds trite, but the fact of the matter is that things are different now. Along with technological advances came a heightened risk to the safety of our children. As a child, my greatest fear was the “boogeyman” potentially lurking in my closet. Today’s children face predators of a different kind. As a result, parents are less inclined to allow the freedoms which afford children the opportunity to get out and play. Children “play” with friends in a virtual world, text with maddening speed rather than engage in one-on-one conversation and enjoy the overabundance of media that keeps them connected with the push of a button. The same is true for adults. How many of us use riding lawnmowers, take the escalator instead of the stairs and TiVo our favorite shows so we can watch them all in a three-hour sitting? And most of us are accustomed to traveling, even short distances, via our automobiles.
In the past 20 years, the prevalence of obesity among children ages 6 through 11 has more than doubled, and obesity in those between the ages of 12 and 19 has tripled. Additionally, overweight children and adolescents are more likely to become overweight or obese adults; one study showed that children who became obese by age 8 were more likely to become severely obese as adults. (http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/nutrition/facts.htm). The tendency toward obesity is slightly higher in boys than in girls and has traditionally been a bigger issue among lower-income and ethnic-minority families. However, this schematic is changing. Although, globally, parents are more likely to make conscious decisions to eat healthier, they often struggle to maintain a healthy diet for their kids. A 2008 National Poll on Children’s Health found that trends such as smaller family size, dual parental incomes and the postponement of having children are giving families more disposable income which they use to satisfy their children’s prodding for unhealthy food choices. Parents are also using material goods to compensate their children for reduced family time, which often leads to poor purchasing decisions (Childhood Obesity Expected to Be a Growing Concern Through 2014, American Fitness, November/December 2010).
Lately, I have been challenging my family to go media free after school and until dinner is finished. I have to admit, this has not been an easy task. While I’ve had success in limiting use of the computer and television, my kids insist on listening to their iPods while doing homework. We’ve also made a family decision to keep soda out of the house unless we are entertaining. Water, milk and juice are the beverages of choice. We eat sugar and real butter (no sugar or fat substitutes), with the idea that a smaller portion of the real thing is much better than any portion of something chemically laden and processed. Our efforts are certainly not perfect or foolproof, but I try consistently to teach my kids to live a life of balance – even with the notion of exercise. The “weekend warrior syndrome” is only a recipe for injury and burnout. In fact, the proposed comprehensive federal activity guidelines suggest 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, which can be done in 10-minute bouts (Fighting the Weight in Our Nation, American Fitness, November/December 2010). I certainly think this is an achievable goal.
So, as the days get shorter and the holidays approach, I challenge you to take one simple step toward a healthier lifestyle. Perhaps you could order a small order of fries instead of the “biggie size” and water instead of soda. Rather than deny yourself the simple pleasure of a Mad Men or Glee marathon, hop on the floor and do a few sit-ups and push-ups or ride a stationary bike while you’re entertained. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Make the commitment to become healthier with small choices, day by day. Go media free, and get outside and play! Just don’t forget to lock the door behind you.
