Yet, severe cuts to physical education programs in schools across America are the norm rather than the exception. Fearing that exercise is a time-waster, schools have cut out what might be one of the best “brain” boosters our kids need!
These and other findings – on a gamut of issues related to children – should cause Americans to review, if not revise their personal policies and practices on health and wellness. More importantly, parents should never depend on their schools or government to care more about the physical, emotional, social, and mental health of our children more than we do!
Let’s break it down…
First ask, “What does ‘healthy’ mean to my family?” Is it dependent upon prosperity? Does it mean disease-free? Is it an “ideal” that remains elusive unless you enhance your life with injections or surgery or drugs or cleanses?
Health can be defined as how well a person functions: (1) physically (moving and breathing, coordination, energy and strength), (2) emotionally (soundness of mind and able to cope with change) (3) mentally growing in age-appropriate skills, as well as (4) relationally connected to their family, friends, and faith.
Today, I urge you to begin with the most obvious area of health and take a short physical fitness assessment of your entire family.
1. Is there any history of heart disease, smoking, addiction, or diabetes?
2. Do we eat a healthy, balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, grains and protein or are we more prone to eat “fast foods” that are full of fats and sugars and carbohydrates?
3. Are we an active family—do we encourage playing outside, are we engaged in group and/or age-appropriate sports, do we enjoy hiking or walking or biking?
No matter your answers, everyone can improve the health and wellness of his or her family. You can begin today by making one little change that will have a big result:
Be the person in your neighborhood with a physical fitness plan!
How? Be the adult who gathers the neighborhood kids for weekly fun activities or outdoor recreation. (Remember growing up to endless nights of neighborhood games such as “kick the can”, pick up soccer games, and family softball tournaments?) Why not organize something that you enjoyed playing as a kid? Or if you’re stuck inside, clear the basement or living room of all furniture and have a short PE class with blaring music—stretching, jumping jacks, jogging in place, knee lifts and lunges!
There will be more benefits than just burning calories! You’ll know what’s going on with your kids. You’ll hear the “chit-chat” regarding school. You’ll become aware of new friendships, and you’ll be one of the first one to hear if there is trouble brewing. You’ll not only be increasing their energy but you'll be improving their attention span for learning. And if you really want to get make this a healthy endeavor, get a few other parents involved and provide healthy snacks such as nuts, fruit, and ice-cold water after the activity.
Come on—don’t wait for someone else to do this! Get active. Be the change agent!
Be encouraged,
Becky
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