Scientists have demonstrated that children tend to gain some extra pounds during the summer break. We are all aware of the fact that during summer breaks we prefer to have more lazy days, laying in bed eating snacks. This kind of behavior can lead to obesity. Researchers have managed to do a statics which proved that kids gain weight over the summer.
- Researchers encourage schools’ authorities to implement a developed physical education.
- Parents should stimulate their children to play outside.
In the past, the summer break was the best reason to play outside from morning to evening, running with your friends and having all kinds of fun activities. Children nowadays are more tied up to their couch, watching TV series, playing on their PCs or PlayStation. Apparently, the definition of having fun has changed its meaning.
A study conducted on analyzing elementary school students has proved that playing outside is overrated. Gaining a considerable number of extra pounds can be very dangerous for your children’s state of health. The survey has followed the evolution of some kindergarten kids.
They were first weighed at the beginning of fall season and then at the end of spring. This process took place every year starting with 2010 up to 2013 when those kids were already in second grade. The preponderance of children who gain extra pounds increased from 23.3% to 28.7%. The number of those who were already categorized as obese has grown from 8.9% to 11.5%.
What was indeed striking for researchers was that all these extra pounds were gained during summer periods. Paul von Hippel, who is a professor of public affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and also the lead author of the study, has argued that it becomes disappointing to notice the decline in using physical exercises or nutrition programs.
A school’s cafeteria should only serve healthy food, banning soda and dangerous sweets. Schools’ authorities should be aware of this problem, and they should take action. Healthy meals provided by cafeterias and much more physical education can help children get back on the right track.
Parents should also think of a productive way in which their children could spend their summer breaks. Swimming classes, sports competitions, cultural events, walks in the park, various family trips together with healthy diets can only improve the health of their children. Parents should encourage their kid to play outside instead of letting them be couch potatoes.
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