Fighting Childhood Obesity

Fighting Childhood Obesity

Over the years, I have become increasingly aware of the long term health benefits from

an early childhood exposure to creative movement and exercise. Unfortunately, the

growing trend in childhood obesity is well established. Without a positive introduction to

exercise, children develop negative attitudes toward exercise that most certainly

contributes to the number of overweight children. If very young children can be

engaged

to enjoy routine movement and exercise, the benefits will last a lifetime.

The earliest introduction to exercise should be in a non competitive, non threatening

environment. At the outset, it is critical to allow children to progress at their own rate.

Children must be encouraged to feel comfortable about their own body vocabulary and

to develop positive ‘body awareness’. With positive reinforcement young movers

become

more confident to try a variety of physical activities. With improved self

confidence and a

positive attitude toward movement and exercise, children will have an

increased

opportunity to grow into healthy adults.

I believe that we must nurture children to be participants not just observers. By design,

Creative Movement for Children- DVD

invites participation. Our children need to do

what

is natural – move, create, and be physically fit. Moving is part of the human

experience.

Childhood obesity should not be!