Going Outdoors, the Easiest Way to a Healthy Childhood
We believe in the importance of a healthy community. But, we also know that with our current fast-paced lives it is very easy to get lost in all the things we must do and forget to take care of ourselves. However, there are some habits that if started early are easy and enjoyable and will truly make a difference.
Spending some time going outdoors is a powerful path towards a healthy life. It is no secret that with all the technology out there today, smartphones, computers, countless TV series on demand, kids are spending less and less time outside.
According to a poll by The Nature Conservancy only 10 percent of children, nationwide, say they spend time outdoors every day. Nowadays children spend outside half the time they did twenty years ago. Unfortunately, this had severe repercussions, childhood obesity has doubled and ADHD medication and pediatric prescriptions for antidepressants have risen to extreme levels.
So what can we do when studies show that the average American child spends 7 hours in front of an electronic screen and only 30 minutes outside per day?
1.) Take them to the park: This same poll determined that one of the best ways to get children out of the house and into parks, playgrounds, and nature in general is to actually make it accessible. Many children don’t feel they have access to a nearby park, but we can make it easy for them by taking them ourselves. You can even make it a special way to spend time with your child. For example, plan a bike ride to one of Boston’s beautiful nature spots like Castle Island and enjoy the view after all that exercise
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Castle Island[/caption]
2.) Bring their friends: Another big factor is to have friends come with them, 91 percent of children said they would go outside if a friend encouraged them. If possible, your child could spend more time enjoying the benefits of fresh air and physical activity by having a playdate outside. Entice them with a picnic, bring some games and talk to other parents to schedule a few hours of outdoor fun. To make it easy, you can use this interactive map to find the parks and playgrounds nearest to you.
3.) Sign them up for Outdoor Sports: Part of the reason children don’t go outside as often as they used to is because their lives are a lot more structured. They have school, then after school lessons, tutors, and a myriad of other commitments. This summer sign them up for an outdoor sport, like soccer or baseball. South End Soccer offers soccer enrichment classes to neighborhood youth programs in the summer.
Our children are constantly being bombarded with information through an incredible number of channels and the simple act of playing some catch can relieve a big amount of that stress. Besides the obvious physical benefits, being surrounded by green spaces brings some surprising health bonuses, it raises levels of Vitamin D and improves distance vision. It is also effective for improving ADHD symptoms, and even enhances social skills.
So, what better opportunity than now? After one of Boston’s longest and coldest winters, the weather couldn’t be better. Let’s kick off the summer surrounded by trees, maybe throwing a frisbee around, and reaping the benefits of a little nature.
Want some more ideas? Here is a great list full of free family activities to do outdoors this summer....