Keep your kids on the run for a long life

Apr 28 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

PHYSICAL activity in early life is key to growing up healthy.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Carolina has found that adolescents with high blood pressure, high body mass index and, or, high cholesterol, were six times more likely to be poor exercisers, with a low aerobic fitness when younger (at age seven to 10).

While physical activity is part of the national curriculum and school break times are a chance to run around and let off steam, parents and carers can do a lot to ensure their little ones are aerobically fit, develop good exercise habits and store up health benefits for later:

After-school sporting clubs allow children to try out new sports, team games and build up fitness and coordination skills;

local leisure centres often offer good-value activities for all interests and abilities like swimming, football, dance or martial arts, which is a great way to build strength and stamina while learning self-control and respect;

heading straight to the local park after school means swapping TV and game-console time for outdoor fun, a better deal for their hearts and bodies;

meeting up with other children for a game of rounders, football or cricket will keep them busy;

planning a couple of activities for the weekend like a bike ride, swim, trek or roller-blade session will give fun and fitness for all.

Leading by example is important, as children are more likely to see being active as a way of life if their parents and carers do it too.

The sooner you get your children into the habit of exercising without even thinking about it, the greater the benefits for their hearts and arteries, bone strength, weight, balance and co-ordination – watch for the glow on their faces and bright eyes and look forward to them sleeping well at night.

For more information and advice about healthy living, contact Heart Research UK on 0113 234 7474 or email lifestyle@heartresearch.org.uk