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Motivating young people towards an active lifestyle is vital, not only for their own wellbeing, but also for the communities they live in.
Much can be improved in the United States, which is facing a national crisis with a sharp increase in a lack of fitness and a high obesity rate among young people.
Children everywhere on the planet have a natural passion, enthusiasm and desire to explore the world, and to make the world a better place. Young people today lack positive role models, the motivation and goals in order to grow into responsible adults.
People of all ages agree that it is necessary to partake in more physical activities. A brisk walk of 30 minutes per day, cycling, jogging, playing basketball or another sport are just a few examples of the daily activities everyone should make an effort to engage in.
However, only 19 % of all high school students are physically active for 20 minutes or more per day. This is usually in Physical Education classes at school. As a result, nearly 50 % of American youths aged 12-21 years are not vigorously active on a regular basis. About 14 % report no recent physical activity at all. Inactivity is more common among females (14%) than males (7%) and more common among black females (21%) than white females (12%).
In addition to regular school-based physical activities, social support from family and friends creates a positive motivation for regular physical activity.
Did you know… the occurrence of obesity has tripled during the last 50 years. Teenagers with weight problems have much lower self-esteem and are less popular with their peers. They are more prone to depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, all of which can even lead to suicide.
Benefits of Physical Activity Physical activity helps to build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints. It helps to control weight, build lean muscle and reduce fat. It also assists in preventing or delaying the onset of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other diseases of civilization in later life. Last but not least, physical activity enables young people to make new friends, to increase their self-image and to learn new skills.
Did you know… 1 of 4 children does not participate in any free-time physical activity.
How young people can get involved: There are several nationwide organizations dealing with this growing problem in the U.S., the most famous being Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Boy Scouts of America.
Boy Scouts of America Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for its young members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA has developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scouts BSA and Venturing programs. These programs help youth to become responsible, caring citizens and to acquire skills to participate in the democratic process. Participants also develop leadership skills and gain opportunities for planning, decision making and contributing to Club and community events to celebrate their national heritage.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America The programs of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America focus on the areas of Education, the Arts, Health & Wellness, Character & Leadership, Sports and Recreation, and Teens & Young Adults. These programs help to develop physical fitness, reduce stress and promote the positive use of leisure time, as well as an appreciation for the environment and interpersonal skills.
Children are the future. May it be bright and full of adventure!
The future is uncertain for young people worldwide, in particular after the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many families are unable to support their children in sporting activities. This is one of the reasons why obesity is a growing problem in America and in many other countries. Leisure time activities are crucial for a healthy development, especially when children are very young, and are still developing crucial cognitive and motor skills.
Today, about 1 of 3 American children is overweight or obese. Child obesity has quickly become one of the most serious health challenges of the 21st century.
The causes of obesity in children Obesity among children is mainly caused by a lack of exercise. Children and teens should exercise at least for 60 minutes every day. Children must follow a healthy diet. Only 3 out of every 10 children eat vegetables every day.
More than 80 % of adolescents worldwide are not sufficiently physically active, the World Health Organization (WHO) found in its survey. Children spend too much time watching TV, using the computer, on their cellphones or playing video games, and as a result gain excess weight. On average, 6.5 hours are spent daily by young people in front of a screen, compared with approx. 3 hours spent by children in 1995. Teenage boys spend the longest time in sedentary occupations in their free time, with an average of 8 hours per day.
Children's TV viewing habits have changed dramatically, with the majority now watching television via catch-up services and YouTube, rather than the traditional TV set. The watching of YouTube and paid-for on-demand services, such as Netflix, has also risen rapidly in recent years and is expected to continue to grow in popularity. Instead of healthy outdoor activities after school, children spend most of their free time in these sedentary indoor occupations, which can also prove addictive in the long term.
Obesity-related health problems are on the rise While poor diet and inactivity play a large part of the global obesity epidemic, regular exercise is one of the best ways to tackle it. If current adolescent obesity rates continue, there will be a huge increase in coronary heart disease, diabetes and other diseases related to obesity in the next 20 years. Childhood obesity, leading to obesity in adulthood, leads to a reduced life expectancy. Experts warn that the effects of childhood obesity could reduce average life expectancy by 5 years or more.
Children and young people can devote themselves to many leisure-time activities. Soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, or gymnastics are just a few of the sporting opportunities. Other popular activities are arts and crafts, when people can get creative and develop their skills while painting, making pottery or creating other beautiful objects. If a child is inclined toward dance, ballet or music, they can develop in performing arts or playing a musical instrument.
It is necessary to provide sporting and exercise opportunities to children who couldn't afford it otherwise. Thus young people will find the way to a healthy lifestyle, they will learn how to take care of their own well-being and success at school, and will grow into happy, healthy and responsible adults. They will associate with their peers in real-life situations, in a healthy way, instead of merely “meeting” them online in the virtual world.
How can this be achieved? Read the Solution!
To inspire young people towards increased physical activity, it is necessary to address the social, economic, cultural, technological and environmental causes. We need to encourage boys and girls to find positive goals and values in their lives, to enable them to develop their full potential in hobbies, sport and the arts. It is necessary to provide sporting opportunities, because many families are unable to support their children in sporting activities.
The adolescent brain is still developing. We must offer children something to strive for, to influence them positively.
How can YOU help?
Emphasize and praise a child’s personal strengths to help him/her to become career-ready at graduation.
Engage the child in all types of activities beneficial to the environment, animals and other people. Offer varied and diverse options for young people to become involved. If possible, become a role model yourself.
Encourage critical thinking - children have to process why their first attempts to succeed do not succeed, and that they will eventually find the right solution.
Create opportunities for physical activities that are enjoyable, that promote adolescents' and young adults' confidence in their ability to be physically active, and that involve friends, peers and parents. Be an appropriate active role model for your children. Encourage children to meet friends in an active outdoor environment, e.g. going for a walk together, cycling, playing sport, instead of merely “meeting” in the virtual world.
Demand a range of extracurricular programs in schools and community recreation centers to meet the needs and interests of specific disadvantaged youths e.g. racial and ethnic minority groups, females, persons with disabilities, and those from low-income groups.
Encourage healthcare providers to talk routinely to children and young adults about the importance of incorporating physical activity into their lives.
**Encourage and promote a healthy diet **in your home. Avoid junk food and sugary or salty snacks. Provide tasty alternative snacks and healthy meals for your family. Popcorn is a much healthier snack while watching TV or a movie, than sugary drinks, over-salted potato chips and candy! Do not even keep these in your home!