Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 95, June 2017 | Page 18

Safe
running with
kids, for kids
Our kids aren’t moving enough
Take a moment to think about the children in your life. What do they do when they’re not at school? If their eyes are
often glued to a TV, cellphone, tablet or console, chances are, they’re not likely moving as much as they should be.
Childhood obesity is on the rise, globally
There’s been a marked shift in how children entertain
themselves, compared with just 20 years ago.
Outside play has become the exception to the rule.
The British Medical Journal research found that on
average, British children aged seven sit half the day.
By age 15, it’s three quarters of a day.
The World Health Organization estimates 70 million
youth will be overweight and obese by 2025.
“Today, sedentary behaviour is regarded as one of the worst
things we can do for our health – and it makes children
twice as likely to be overweight,” says Dr Craig Nossel,
Head of Vitality Wellness. “It’s a reality that children move too
little, and it’s made worse by the amount of time they spend
in front of screens.”
Screen
time
score: F
Dr Nossel’s statement is backed up by the latest results of the 2016 Healthy Active Kids South
Africa (HAKSA) Report Card, which scored South African children an F for screen time.”
The HAKSA report card, an initiative by the Sport Science Institute of South Africa and supported
by Discovery Vitality, scores various elements of kids’ health. The latest results show that only half
of our kids are getting in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity three times a week.
While the score for overall physical activity improved from a D in 2014 to a C in 2016, there is still much room for improvement. Getting enough physical
activity starts with an example set for children, and a supportive environment. That’s where you come in! It’ll take the joint effort of role-model runners, caring
adults and involved schools to get South Africa’s children moving.
How much physical activity do children need, and why?
On average, children older than six need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day. This can be broken up into segments throughout the
day, and even small bursts of high-intensity exercise, like a set of sprints, are beneficial to their health.
There is almost no part of the body that does not benefit from physical activity, as it:
• Strengthens lungs and heart for increased energy and endurance.
• Builds strong bones, helping to improve overall strength.
• Stretches muscles, keeping them flexible, and makes them stronger. Research is emerging that children with
stronger muscles also have better memory.
• Improves overall health because staying fit makes it less likely to develop diseases.
• Improves sleep patterns.
• Develops reflexes and coordination, which are vital skills.
• Affects how children feel, as it can calms them down and improves their self-esteem.
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ISSUE 95 JUNE 2017 / www.modernathlete.co.za
Play is important
for learning, and the
development of motor and
other skills. Children scored
a D for physical fitness
and motor development,
finding kicking, throwing
and catching difficult.