Doc Advises Parents to Encourage Children to Get Active

Dr. Gentry Yost, a Pediatrician of Pocatello, Idaho, warns parents of the link between excessive television watching and obesity. Children are inactive and tend to snack while watching television, and they are bombarded with advertising messages that encourage them to eat unhealthy foods, such as potato chips and cookies, that often become preferred snack foods.
Some assert that not allowing your children to watch television at all is the best solution. Dr. Yost suggests a more realistic approach; limit the amount of time your child is allowed to watch television. If your child is spending less time watching television, he can be spending more time playing, and getting the daily exercise he needs. This also gives your child more time to spend with the rest of the family.
If you are struggling getting your children to get away from the television, try offering fun alternatives. Suggest that you and your child go for a walk or play catch. Other alternatives to watching television include playing outside, reading, working on crafts or hobbies, or listening and dancing to music. The possibilities for having fun without being glued to the television are endless, so turn off the television and enjoy the quality time you will have to spend with your child.
Some may feel that watching television with their child is much easier and more relaxing than playing catch or going for a walk. These people are probably those who work all day and feel that they need a minute to relax after a long day at work. Dr. Yost encourages these parents to refrain from this idea, limit the amount of television allowed in your home, and enforce an early bed time for your children.
If your children play hard during the day, they will sleep better at night, which is better for both parents and children. Research shows that children who do not get the recommended amount of sleep are at higher risk to be obese, and if your children are healthier and sleeping better at night, then so are you.