Today's generation of children spends most of their leisure time in front of screens - television, computer, Game Boy, and other video games. This has negative impact on the overall health of our youth because a sedentary lifestyle causes child obesity. We must limit the time our families spend in front of television, computer, and video game screens in order to prevent child obesity.
Extended hours spent sitting or lying down while engaging in passive entertainment like watching television or playing video games is very unhealthy and causes child obesity. Studies show that children and teenagers 8 to 18 years old spend more than six hours of screen time daily. Approximately 4.5 hours are spent on television programs and videos every day. Additionally, 1.5 hours a day is spent in front of the computer and about an hour playing video games.
Here are some tips to help you limit excessive screen time:
Start early to prevent child obesity.
It will be hard to modify a child's behavior and reverse the effects of childhood obesity on the mindset once it becomes a habit. You must begin developing a healthy mindset during early childhood by using learning toys and books instead of television and computer games. Limiting screen time will require that you, as a parent, become resourceful and creative to make your child's mindset in his formative years a healthy one.
Know how many hours your child spends in front of screens.
Research shows that most parents are not aware of how many hours their children spend in front of the television and computer. This is one of the reasons why a lot of parents fail to limit the screen time of their child until they notice the effects of obesity on their child.
Take the television out of your children's bedrooms.
Children who have a television in their own bedroom are twice as likely to watch more television than those who don't. Unlimited television time causes child obesity. Put the television in the living room where you can monitor the television programs and spend time with the kids. Prevent child obesity in your family by setting a limited television viewing schedule.
Spend more time with your kids.
Replace morning cartoons with excursions in the park or other recreational centers. Be creative: find activities that you and your kid will enjoy together. Simple activities such as biking or taking a walk together will go far in helping you prevent child obesity in your children. Encourage your kids to play with other children in the back yard or at a local playground. This will help you avoid the longterm effects of childhood obesity.
A major benefit to this is that you will create family bonding time as you combat one of the biggest causes of child obesity. Limiting screen time will help promote a healthier and fitter lifestyle which will help you prevent child obesity in your family.
Parents, you must begin teaching your children from their early childhood to use physical activities as an alternative to unrestricted screen time for entertainment and eliminate one of the biggest causes of child obesity. Studies show that doing this will lower your child's likelihood of being obese by 40%. All the best to you and your family, Ed Guerena
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