Keeping your Family Fit!
Over the last decade it has become common knowledge that child obesity is on the increase… but what can we as a society and as parents do to make changes to this worrying trend?
Studies show that more than 1 in 4 children are overweight or obese and around 1,900 children need hospital treatment for obesity every year - a figure that's more than doubled in the last eight years (NHS Direct).
This research indicates that our children have never been fatter, and contrary to popular belief it’s not actually because they’re eating more, calorie intake is in fact lower today than in the 1960’s; the main problem is that activity levels have dropped significantly (ic wales.co.uk). Both a well balanced diet and regular exercise are equally important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Tees Active are now offering the Young Persons Active Health Scheme. This programme is open to young people aged 5 - 16 years who would benefit from increased participation in physical activity and sound nutritianal advice.
Small changes today can build up to create a healthier lifestyle in the long-term. By developing an awareness of health and exercise we can all make informed, sensible choices and build them into our daily routine. ‘Quick Fix’ solutions and ‘Fad Diets’ may bring small short-term results, but to maintain long-term improvements regular exercise and a nutritious balanced diet should be sensible and sustainable.
Building activity into your family’s lifestyle can be easier than you may imagine. Treat this ‘activity time’ like any other essential part of your daily routine, you would not let your children regularly miss out on sleep or fail to provide them with a toothbrush… yet as the studies indicate many of us are happy to let them go without exercise, and fail to provide them with the tools to become active and energetic.
Tees Active can help your family to achieve a good balance of health and activity.
Did you know that there are Family Gym and Swim sessions available across your local Active Life Centres?
For rebellious teens that are seeking independence we have Teenactiv8 (T8) Gym sessions where 12-16 year olds can access the gym alone or with friends. Active8 Advisors will take them through an initial induction and provide a programme, support and guidance during their workouts.
The popular Ice Skating Arena is also a fantastic place to have fun as a family whilst getting active and keeping fit. If your looking for something a little different why not take the children to a ‘Fun Floats’ or ‘Inflatable’ session in one of our pool venues, or if they are 12 years plus and over 5ft tall you can bring them along to the ‘Family Spin’, indoor cycling sessions at Thornaby Pavilion.
Daily activity gives many health benefits from increasing general concentration and energy levels, preventing obesity, and regulating blood sugars to prevent the future risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and osteoporosis.
Make some changes today, schedule some quality ‘active’ time into your diary; use your imagination and vary the type and location of your activity and this should soon become a regular slot that you all look forward to.
Contact Lyndsey Davis (Lifestyle Development Officer) on 01642 524572 for further information on how Tees Active can direct you towards the start of your new active lifestyle…
