The Childhood Overweight and Obesity Epidemic in Australia

The Childhood Overweight and Obesity Epidemic

Being overweight or obese is a serious health problem.  More than 30% of our Aussie Children are either overweight or obese. This is quite a shocking and very serious statistic.

Since 1985 there has been a dramatic rise in Overweight Children and Childhood Obesity for girls and boys in the 2-17 years age group.  Childhood obesity can track into adulthood, posing increasingly high risks of chronic illnesses and premature death.

Being overweight or obese is associated with developing Heart Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Osteo-Arthritis, Sleep Apnoea, Hypertension, some Cancers, Poor Self Esteem and Unhealthy Lifestyles.  Some of these diseases are appearing in children as young as 10!

So, Why has Childhood Overweight and Obesity Increased?

Changes in lifestyle have resulted in:

1.       Decreased participation in physical activity

2.       An increase in the consumption of energy dense foods and drinks

3.       An increase in sedentary behaviours including TV, Electronic Media and Motorised Transport.

What Can Be Done to Control Overweight and Obesity?

1.       Increased participation in planned and incidental physical activity

2.       Limit sedentary pastimes such as TV viewing and Computer use.

3.       Decrease the consumption of high energy foods and drinks.

THE REWARD

Regular physical activity will help control weight and prevent or manage most illnesses associated with being overweight or obese. Important other beneficial factors include;

·         Protection against heart diseases, Type 2 diabetes and some Cancers

·         Improved Self Esteem and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression

·         Better bone health and improved muscle and joint strength

·         Improved sleep quality

·         Healthier blood cholesterol and blood pressure

It is also evidenced that Physical Activity appears to be protective against other damaging behaviours such as cigarette smoking, alcohol use and illegal drug use.

How Much Physical Activity Do Children Need?

Australian Health Ministers have determined that children and youth participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity every day and should spend no longer than 2 hours per day using electronic media for entertainment, particularly during daylight hours. 

Hot Box - Games for Kids

Our version of Piggy in the Middle. Hot Box incorporates creative, social, sensory and gross motor skills. Encouraging children to be active can be difficult but by thinking outside the box there are ways to incorporate physical activity into other activities including craft. For children, being active usually means 'play' and this is always the best method of encouraging an active lifestyle.

What you'll need

3 or more participants
Medium sized cardboard box (cube shape)
Paint
Paint Brushes

Let's Make It and Play!

1. Decorate your cardboard box using paint to make it colourful and original and let dry.
2. Select Interceptor (if playing in a larger group select 2). The interceptor/s stand in the middle of the throwers (if playing in a large group then throwers form a circle and interceptors stand in the middle of the circle).
3. The throwers then throw the box to other throwers while the interceptor/s try to catch it. If successful the interceptor swaps places with the thrower who's ball was intercepted.
4. Continue game until everyone has had a turn at being and interceptor and a thrower.

Salt Sculptures

Salt Sculptures are fun to make, look pretty cool (make great gift ideas), are a cheap and easy activity for children and made using recycled materials.  Suitable to ages 4/5 years and up.  This is a great outdoor activity as can get a bit messy.

 

What you’ll need:

Glass Jars – Any size is fine just note the larger the jar the more salt you will require.

Salt                                             

Coloured Chalk

Ribbon (optional)

Small Square of Fabric to go over lid (optional)

Let’s Make It:

1.       Use approx half a cup of salt for each colour.

2.       Empty the salt onto hard surface, you could place a piece of A4 paper down to make it easier to pour the salt into the jar.

3.       Using a piece of coloured chalk rub the salt until all of the salt has turned the colour of the chalk

4.       Pour your coloured salt into jar.

5.       Repeat Steps 1-4 using a different colour each time until the jar is full.

6.       Replace lid on jar and cover with a piece of fabric and a tie the fabric on with a ribbon. 

Using a piece of paper makes pouring your coloured salt much easier.

Looking for more ideas for using up those broken pieces of chalk? Chalk Paint is great fun! =>Click Here for Instructions!<=