At this time of year, when so many of our thoughts, and so much of our time and energy, are focused on our children, I'm sad to report that two recent studies, published by major health organizations, clearly show that children's health is getting worse, not better.
It is a sobering fact for the holidays. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported, in the October issue of The Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, that 11% of American children and adoles cents are overweight -- about twice the level of 10 years ago, and more than double the level in the 1960s. And, in its annual "report card on children's health," also released in October, the American Health Foundation down-graded the health of the nation's kids-from a "C-minus" (in 1994) to a "D." The foundation cited increases in tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, and in the incidence of preventable diseases, such as measles, as contributing factors.
Why are these findings important? Because many health problems and chronic diseases have their roots in childhood inactivity. And because, con versely regular physical activity promotes and protects physical and mental well-being. What can you do to help your children? That's simple --get them moving! The CDC report concluded that the only viable way to treat obesity in children is to encourage more physical activi ty. The Benefits of Exercise for Children, a brochure published by IHRSA, The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, details many of the other improvements that exercise can lead to. (Your club should be able to provide you with a free copy.) How, then, do you get your children going? It's nearly as simple, just employ the following four-point strategy:
Find out how active your kids really are (or aren't). Study them a bit, list the things they do, and the amount of time they spend on each. Are they playing basketball in the driveway, or watch ing TV in the living room? Do they participate in physical education or sports in school? If daily P.E. isn't a part of their curriculum, lobby the school board to institute it.
Remain active yourself. The National Children Youth Surveys, which were conducted during the 1980s, showed that the strongest correlation to a child's activity level was their parents' activity level. Pick up that basketball and show the kids what you can do. Take them on long walks. Plan family outings that involve play and exercise. You get the idea! The kids will burn off excess energy, feel healthier and happier and will never forget the positive role model that you've provided.
Inquire about children's programs at your club. The club that you belong to is a member of IHRSA and is concerned about kids' fitness. Hundreds of IHRSA facilities throughout the world offer a wide range of ongoing activities for children, as well as numerous special events. In October for example, more than 1,000 IHRSA clubs participated in Families Involved Together (F.I.T. '95), a month long celebration of family fitness sponsored by IHRSA. And, right now, many IHRSA facilities are participating in The American Shootout, an international free-throw and three-point basketball competition presented by Don Nelson, the head coach of the New York Knickerbockers, and Tara VanDerveer, the head coach of the USA Olympic Women's Basketball Team. Like so many other activities tak ing place at IHRSA clubs, it's a perfect way to involve your children in fitness.
Give fitness gifts. If you want to give your children a gift that will keep on giving --for the rest of their lives-- give them the gift of fitness . . . by, as I've indicated above, being attentive to how active they are, setting a good example, utilizing club resources, and, finally, by keeping your goal in mind when you're doing your holiday shopping. Check out the skis, skateboards, in-line skates, and mountain bikes. How about a good book, or video, on children's fitness? If your kids go to your club, sign them up for gymnastics or junior tennis classes. And, if they don't... well, isn't it high time that you upgrade to a "family" membership.
James M. Rippe, M.D., is IHRSA's medical advisor and associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.
