Throw out the TV!

Many of us remember a time when our mothers “shooed” us outdoors — for several hours — to play. Now, our children spend their time playing video games and watching TV.

Now, I am not one of those parents who hates TV. In fact, regular TV shows are part of my daily discussions. However, I once had a boyfriend whose mother threw her TV out of a window, and while I think that is an extreme measure, the statistics are scary enough to make us wonder if she wasn’t totally off track.

According to one study, children spend an average of three to four hours a day watching TV (at my house sometimes more — ouch!). Yes, the Knight family loves some TV, but I will admit there is a need for balance. I am just now learning (or trying to learn) the idea of moderation as an adult. Activity was not something I truly “pursued” as a child, and I admit I still have trouble with it. However, I am trying to learn new, healthier habits not only for myself but also for my kids.

Because I, the self-confessed sofa-lovin’ mom, am still learning what a good balance between exercise and rest is for children, I consulted the experts. The American Heart Association recommends the following activity levels for children:

• All children age 2 and older should participate in at least 30 minutes of enjoyable, moderate-intensity activities every day.
  
• They should also perform at least 30 minutes of vigorous physical activities at least 3-4 days each week to achieve and maintain a good level of cardiorespiratory (heart and lung) fitness.
  
• If your child or children don’t have a full 30-minute activity break each day, try to provide at least two 15-minute periods or three 10-minute periods in which they can engage in vigorous activities appropriate to their age, gender, and stage of physical and emotional development.
  

One way a child can receive the appropriate amount of exercise is through organized sports. Did you know a child weighing 77 lbs., playing ten minutes of soccer, burns 63 calories? Playing volleyball, that same child would burn 35 calories. Playing basketball, that same child would burn 60 calories.

A full game of any sport is not only a healthy activity for children, it also teaches them to be active adults. Mia Hamm, U.S. Women’s World Cup recipient, Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and The Gatorade Company helped launch “Kids in Action,” an initiative to help kids get moving again.

Hamm feels passionately about this project and stated from its conception, “There is no more important message that athletes can send to kids today than to get up, get active and enjoy what you’re doing. Being active as a kid sets an important precedent for being an active and healthy adult.”

Kids in Action has a wonderful Web site where parents can go to test their knowledge of nutrition and exercise through an online quiz, calculate their Body Mass Index (BMI), or read articles that talk about how to start healthy habits for your family. Visit www.getkidsinaction.org for more information.

There are also initiatives started through local parks and recreation boards to assist parents and children with free education and programs on proper nutrition and exercise. The 1993 National Health, Lung and Blood Institute “Hearts N’ Parks” program, which targeted all ages in the community, proved successful when participants stated they retained information about heart-healthy behaviors and intended to eat healthier.

Children also reported learning new physical activities and improving their performance in others; seniors reported feeling healthier and experiencing less pain in their daily lives by the end of the program.

Communities interested in more information on Hearts N’ Parks can call (301)-592-8573, e-mail , or call the National Recreation and Park Association at 1-800-649-3042.

The country is starting to wake up and realize that preventive medicine is the best way to encourage the next generation to live longer, healthier lives. Programs that are proactive in educating and encouraging the community are helping to make a difference. However, as we all know, it all begins at home.

For myself, I do better with small goals. I think rather than tossing the TV out the window, I might try and give my kids an apple instead of a cookie, “shoo” them outdoors to see the sunlight and encourage them to burn some calories kicking a soccer ball.

Amie Knight is learning how to improve her body, soul, spirit and mind through a program at her church, Leatherwood Baptist, called “All-4-One.”