Here kids take a puff of this cigarette!
WHAT?
You are probably thinking “this lady has lost her mind!”
We wouldn’t offer our kids a smoke but we are doing just as much damage by letting them sit in front of the screen all day long.
Sitting is the new smoking was first coined by James A. Levine, MD, Ph.D. and he showed that the impact of sitting was just as bad for your health as smoking.
Online school means more time in front of screens. It’s necessary for learning but not so great for our kids’ metabolism. Most of our kids are missing out on team sports and outdoor activities which only contributes to their lack of exercise.
It seems that everyone is spending more time on their butt than ever before!
For reference—here are the latest obesity statistics for children from the CDC:
😢 14% of US preschool children are obese
😢 18% of US elementary-aged children are obese
😢 20% of US teenagers are obese
Here’s the thing. Obesity is preventable AND reversible. Keeping our kids active gives them a huge advantage.
This is a double-edged sword because of the lack of outdoor exercise our children’s vitamin D levels also fall. Leaving them less attentive, moody, and more vulnerable to illness.
Here’s what experts recommend:
🏃♀️Kids should accumulate at least 60 minutes of exercise per day
🏃♀️Exercising more than 60 minutes gives even more benefit
🏃♀️Most exercise should be aerobic
Playing games, running, jumping, and even doing chores can count as exercise! The point is that our bodies were made to MOVE.
So…if you have the kids at home, schedule breaks for movement. Get outside. Ride bikes. Jump rope. Do whatever the kids find fun. Plus—if you participate, you’ll reap the benefits as well!
HERE ARE 5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS HEALTHY WHILE ONLINE SCHOOLING
1. Take frequent breaks from the screen and incorporate movement. regular exercise can positively impact serotonin levels. Raising your levels of serotonin boosts your mood and overall sense of well-being
2. Invest in blue light blocking glasses or use screen filters to reduce the amount of blue light produced by screens. Constant blue lights can impact your sleep and eye health.
3. Get outside daily, enjoy the morning sun by taking a walk. Vitamin D from the morning sun also helps us to sleep well at night, improves mood, and boosts the immune system.
4. Follow a healthy diet free of sugar and processed foods. This helps to reduce inflammation and improve concentration. A healthy diet also bolsters a healthy immune system.
5. Try a probiotic to improve gut health and mood. Many children are struggling with stress and that directly impacts their mental health. Stress directly impacts the good bacteria in your gut. (this one is my favorite)
Reference
Obesity Statistics: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html