Parents ignoring that our kids are getting fatter

Parents ignoring that our kids are getting fatter

This is an extract from the medical journal of Australia I was reading last week

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The last ten years has seen a hundred per cent increase in obesity levels among pre-schoolers, and many parents appear not to be recognising the signs which can be indicative of health problems later in life. In a study of parental attitudes to childhood obesity, 324 mothers of four year olds were interviewed.

Dr Michele Campbell, who led a research team at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, reported that only a quarter of mothers of overweight or obese children (as defined by Body Mass Index) actually rated them as such, and 70 per cent of these mothers thought that their children weighed about the same as their classmates.

Only 17 per cent of all mothers interviewed were concerned about their children facing future overweight or obesity problems. Dr Campbell said that the findings, which mirror those reported in other westernised nations, indicate that the ramifications of overweight and obesity are not being absorbed by Australian parents, who appear not to notice their child’s expanding girth as being out of the ordinary due to the prevalence of overweight kids in society.

Parents who do recognise the seriousness of the issue have to address it carefully, encouraging healthy eating whilst avoiding making their children overly weight and image conscious. Children need to follow a good eating, and exercising example set by parents in the home; it’s no good for parents who lead an unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle to tell their kids to do as they say and not as they do. Some children will grow out of their ‘puppy fat’, but without adopting a more active lifestyle and a healthier eating regime, they could be setting themselves up for a future blighted by health problems.”

And guess what folks buying the kids a wii fit is not going to do it.

I’ve noticed a trend at Flex it over the last few years, Baby boomers are taking there health seriously how ever the upcoming generation doesn’t.

We as a community and you as parents need to help get the kids back into healthy habits if it’s not done while there young then it may not happen for them until a major health problem wakes them up in later life.

Setting a healthy example for kids is important. If they see you being active, they may be more likely to be active themselves.

We have a lot of families coming in lately on family memberships; we get the parents started then organize the younger members with a trainer and get them started on a suitable exercise program.

Or try the kids club

4pm - 5pm Fridays - Flex It is running Kids Club this is an exercise class for 5-12 years olds. Bring your kids along for a fun session. A healthy snack & drink will be provided after class, they will love it!!

This class is available to members and non members just call us on 69211110 and we will get your kids started, never know you may want to jump in and do a bit of exercise while you’re waiting for the kids, we also have our meet tray draw thanks to Kooringal butchery on Friday nights.

You could be a double winner improve your health and get meet for the week.

The great thing about the classes is it shows the kids that exercising is fun and gets them into the health club and used to it at an early age.

If you want to do it at home then here are 10 easy exercises to do with the kids at home.

1. Running in place. But don’t over do it!
2. Another great exercise to do with your kids is toe touches.
3. Jumping jacks.

4. Sit ups
.
5. Push-ups
6. Buy some jump ropes.
7. Another choice is to take a walk or a bike ride around the park.
8. You can incorporate some activities like: Tennis, Basketball, and Swimming.
9. Nothing can be better than playing a quick game of dodge ball.
10. This one, your children will love you for.
Head to oasis for some fun.
Flex it is a Family friendly club so lets us help you to help your family
Take care
Mark