Get out of the exercise vicious circle!
"Bird flies, fish swims, man runs" Emil Zatopek, the legendary Czech long-distance runner, once said. And the man was right! Running, racing and exercise are part of our basic genetic make-up. But they should also do it - especially children.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has a physical activity recommendation for children: 60 to 90 minutes of "active movement" per day. Less than half of children currently fulfil this recommendation! And the trend is falling!
The consequences: The risk of obesity is increasing. Because how much you weigh is made up of the following factors: a lot of genetic predisposition, energy intake - and energy consumption, i.e. exercise. Currently, every 6th child and every 5th adolescent is overweight: And the trend is rising. And those affected end up in a vicious circle: they become sluggish, enjoy exercise less and less, and therefore exercise less and less ...
The consequences of being overweight are probably generally known:
- Posture: back problems, muscle tone, coordination ... This also increases the risk of accidents. - Less mental performance, less emotional balance, less stress reduction.
But why are children moving less and less?
- Less free space for movement (although there are big differences between urban and rural areas) - Less appreciation of free play - Media consumption - Parents as role models (here too: less than half of parents achieve the WHO target for physical activity)
What does this mean? If we don't change anything, it will have a negative, very negative impact on health, the labour force and the economy. And in addition to the personal health problems, it will cost us a lot of money as a society!
That's why it's better to take money in hand now and invest in ...
- ... Play areas/open spaces - ... Education: reduce media consumption (e.g. screen-free until 3)
And we should all be role models: Exercise must become a habit again!
Everyone has a duty here. But where else do you have the easiest access to children? In daycare centres and schools: that's where "Move! Movement! Movement!" must be implemented and promoted.
Sports clubs are also hugely important. They provide a safe framework, professional guidance, a group feeling and regularity. After all, it is always easier to overcome your inner couch potato together than alone - although fortunately this is not really necessary with children because the genetic programme (see above) still works and in the vast majority of cases there is still a natural urge to exercise.
In other words, children actually have a natural desire to move. We just need to encourage it more and tease it out of them!
Further interesting tips
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Ever since monkeypox became a topic in the media, parents have been asking whether it is also relevant for humans here and whether there is cause for concern, especially for children of course. Reason enough for us to take a look at the topic.
Car heat trap
In summer, you just want to go and buy an ice cream or quickly withdraw some money and the baby can wait in the car. That's one of the things you should never do! Because the car can become a life-threatening heat trap within minutes.
Doctor's visit not necessary
Don't worry, we don't want to put anyone off. On the contrary. Everyone is welcome. We are always happy to see you again. Even if the occasion is often not a particularly good one. Nevertheless, we want to help you to know when a visit to the paediatrician's surgery is not necessary. To make life a little easier for you and us.