Summer Activity

The Facts
Summer time is when the kids are out of school and most parents are stuck trying to figure out what to do. Even in the summer we still get trapped in the constantly “on-the-go” culture of today’s society. This way of life makes for less time for adults and children to be active. Down time is used to sit in the front of the television, computer, or video game console to relax and forget about the daily stress of life. Let’s Move says, “eight to 18 year old adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media and only one-third of high school students get the recommended levels of physical activity” (Let’s Move, 2010c). With the lack of physical activity, obesity rates have been on the rise. With more time being spent at work, 47 hours a week, there is less time to be out exercising instead of doing an expense report in front of the computer. According to the American Heart Association, levels of adult and childhood obesity continue to rise with 65% of all adults being overweight or obese (American Heart Association, 2012c). Currently, approximately 17% of youth aged two through 19 are obese (President’s Council).

Causes of Obesity
The reason for this growing problem in America is not just because of food, it is also due to our physical environment. In schools, there are less healthy food choices for students and more variety of sugar drinks available to them. Over the years, there has also been less advertising of healthy food choices. For child care facilities there are variations among rules and regulations so there is no set time for children to be active throughout the day. In all schools there is a lack of daily physical activity for students. It is recommended from the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans that adolescents should receive 60 minutes of aerobic activity each day, but only 18% of students in grade 9-12 met the guideline in 2007. Another cause for a lack of activity is not having adequate facilities for physical activity in all communities. This can be due to no transportation to the area or an unsafe neighborhood. When it comes to eating, not having affordable healthy food makes it difficult for people to create a healthy diet for themselves. The increased availability of high-energy-dense foods and sugar drinks makes it easier to chose the more appealing option for people. With the increased portion sizes, it also easier to eat more food than one would normally have. Lastly, television and media also play a role due to our increased time spent in front of entertainment systems and with the unhealthy food advertisements on the television (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010a).

Obesity in Childhood
Obesity and childhood create a big risk for health problems later on in life. Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, and social discrimination are some of the health problems that adolescents are having a great risk of acquiring due to obesity (Let’s Move, 2010b). Other health problems that can occur later on in life include: cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and abnormal glucose tolerance (Let’s Move, 2010b). Obese children also have the increased probability of becoming obese adults (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010b). In addition, to physical consequences of obesity, the mental stigma can be just as destructive. The early social discrimination the child experiences can turn into low self-esteem and then affect other aspects of their life such as the social and academic realm (Let’s Move, 2010b).

Benefits of Physical Activity
Being physically active everyday can help someone improve their health dramatically. Even in ten minute intervals, physical activity can still be beneficial. Physical activity can boost mental wellness by relieving tension, anxiety, depression, and anger. Also physical activity creates a stronger immunity and reduces risk factors for high blood pressure. Lastly, physical activity prolongs optimal health with the following health benefits:
 * 1) "Improves blood circulation
 * 2) Keeps weight under control
 * 3) Helps in the battle to quit smoking
 * 4) Improves blood cholesterol levels
 * 5) Prevents and manages high blood pressure
 * 6) Prevents bone loss
 * 7) Boosts energy level
 * 8) Helps manage stress
 * 9) Releases tension
 * 10) Promotes enthusiasm and optimism
 * 11) Counters anxiety and depression
 * 12) Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly
 * 13) Improves self-image
 * 14) Increases muscle strength, increasing the ability to do other physical activities
 * 15) Provides a way to share an activity with family and friends
 * 16) Reduces coronary heart disease in women by 30-40%
 * 17) Reduces risk of stroke by 20% in moderately active people and by 27% in highly active people
 * 18) Establishes good heart-healthy habits in children and counters the conditions that lead to heart attack and stroke
 * 19) Helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging and maintains quality of life and independence longer for seniors” (American Heart Association, 2012b)

What We Can Do
America needs to start working towards fixing the current situation that is causing the high levels of obesity in our society. Individually there are certain tasks everyone can do: limit energy intake from total fats, increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains, and nuts, limit the intake of sugars, engage in regular physical activity, and achieve energy balance and a healthy weight (World Health Organization, 2013). For the younger generations, parents can help out with teaching and aiding kids apply these tasks to their daily lives. Children should participate in an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily (Let’s Move, 2010a). While adults require a half hour of moderate exercise a day (American Heart Association, 2012b). Let’s Move provides several tips for families on ways to get active together. For example, taking the stairs instead of using the elevator or planning a safe walk for the kids to go to and from school (Let’s Move, 2010a). The American Heart Association also provides different ideas to help create a healthier home. Ways from getting non-athletic kids to become active, ways to make fast food healthier, and tips to help children make healthier food choices (American Heart Association, 2012a). Starting within the home can help create ways for kids to start making healthier decisions that they can use in the community and later on in life.

Benefits of Virtual Pinboards
With the creation of virtual pinboards, they have enabled people to share ideas regarding: food, travel, crafts, and so much more. Pinterest provided great ways for kids to be active that also involve participation from the parents. Getting the whole family involved in summer activities is a great way to get healthy together. For those cooler summer nights families can play flashlight tag, glow stick hide-and-seek, or go on flashlight/glow stick hunts (Childhood Beckons, 2012). The list is endless of activities that can be done throughout the summer. Ways to stay active with the kids inside on a very hot or rainy day through scavenger hunts or other indoor activities. The best aspect of these pinboards is the access to different ideas for families to get active and they all can be done at a very low cost.