I recently posted a few articles I think provide an overview of the need for children to spend time outside and although I do not like to be the constant bearer of bad news (see post about vitamin D deficiency), I do feel compelled to post this article I found today about "screen time" on to my readers. According to Web MD, an article in the August issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine links high blood pressure to a sedentary life style in children ages 3-8. The study notes that increased media exposure may be worse than experts originally thought.
This really is no surprise to me, nor may it be for you, since it is well known that lack of exercise in adults increases blood pressure risk. But what surprised me was that even children who spent 1.5 hours per day doing screen time showed a link. This is 30 minutes less than what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to parents, which is a max of two hours per day.
According to WebMD, "the researchers found that children who spent the least amount of time watching television, using the computer, and playing video games had much lower blood pressure levels than those who spent the most time in front of a screen. Other forms of sedentary activity, however, were not significantly related to elevated blood pressure."
I was trying to think back to when I was a child and what I did if a wasn't doing "screen time" since computers and television were not as accessible as today (computers were non-existent and there was no such thing as cable TV with an excessive amount of children's programming). Mostly what I and my friends did was play. Whether it was outside or inside, we found things to do and, as a result, exercised our bodies and minds.
I, and I would guess many of you, have been guilty of utilizing the TV and computer to keep our kids busy while making dinner or doing other adult "chores." If nothing else, the results of this study will make me think twice before plopping them in front of the TV while I cook dinner. This will not be easy, as there is nothing harder than having a toddler hang on your legs and scream while trying to stir the sauce in the pot. But, what might be more difficult for me will be healthier for my kids and I think it is a good trade off.
The researchers also recommend balancing screen time with at least 60 minutes of exercise. You'll have no problem with this if you follow my blog and the numerous other resources out there that can help you keep your kids and you fit. One of those is the the Web site of the Children & Nature Network, where you can join a nature club in your area that offers, according to the Web site, "free, low-cost, fun family-oriented activities – ones that help kids (and adults) become happier, healthier and even smarter."
Stay tuned for ideas for fun, low-cost or free activities for the recommended 60-minute balance from yours truly. :)
Tags:
0 comments:
Post a Comment