Fitter or Fatter


by Joanna Sayers - Date: 2006-12-02 - Word Count: 361 Share This!

We're quitting smoking, losing those extra pounds, taking more exercise and trying to eat more healthily. Unlike us, few of our children will make conscious decisions to improve their diet or general health and fitness. Why? Because we, their parents, are supposed to make those decisions for them.

The World Health Organisation has stated that obesity levels in children aged 2-4 have doubled in the last 10 years and in children aged 6-15 years they have trebled. If rates continue to rise over half the children in England will be obese by 202!

As guardians of future generations, what can we do to ensure children get fitter not fatter? I spoke to Charlotte Clemons, who runs the Rutland children's fitness club, Jumping Beanz (www.jumpingbeanz.co.uk). "Motivation is a key issue in getting children to get fit and enjoy sport." She said. "Jumping Beanz classes are designed to improve self-confidence as well as general fitness and co-ordination." She explained, "The general rule of thumb is that children should do at least one hour of physical activity a day. So, Jumping Beanz keeps the children constantly motivated, active and in a non-competitive environment." Classes are so popular that Charlotte now offers Jumping Beanz Birthday Parties and Personal Training. "We developed holiday workshops that proved really successful which led to Jumping Beanz Parties - they're great for getting the fitness message across whilst taking on the strain of running a party."

I got in touch with the British Heat Foundation to find out what information they had that would encourage children to take positive steps to a fitter lifestyle and healthier diet. Karen Gray, BHF Press Office was very enthusiastic about their campaign 'Well Fit' which has been endorsed by a whole host of celebrities. They have two websites aimed at children: one for under 11s http://www.bhf.org.uk/cbhf the other for over 11s http://www.bhf.org.uk/yheart/ Both are full of interesting and fun topics; cool recipes, competitions, screensavers, games and links to National and Regional events.

Children seem to latch on to the idea of a fitter, healthier lifestyle without much fuss. In 2020, when the WHO prediction becomes reality and our children reach their early 20s, will they be fitter or fatter?


Related Tags: health, obesity, diet, children, eating, healthy, fitter, fatter

Joanna Sayers is an experienced Freelance Writer. Her credentials and further press cuttings can be viewed at her website http://www.sayersmedia.co.uk

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