by Debby Dyess

Created on: June 08, 2009

We jump in the lake, we jump in with both feet. We jump on the bandwagon, and when we're really happy we jump for joy. But did you know there's one 'jump' that can protect your children from diabetes, hyper-tension, heart problems and low self-esteem?

Jumping rope is an awesome way to combine play and intense exercise. Its heath benefits are many, from core strength development to coordination to positive heart health to weight loss and maintenance.

In years past, children have always played and exercised without much prompting from parents or teachers. But in an age where 65% of American children have TVs in their room, where high-fat, high-sugar fast food is becoming a staple, and were playing outside is in some cases unsafe, our children are experiencing something other generations have never experienced: childhood obesity. A whopping 18% of children in the US are categorized as obese, and those numbers are slightly higher in minorities. And the epidemic is growing at a disturbing rate. Pediatricians are seeing alarming consequences to this change in diet and lifestyle; kids with type ll diabetes, hyper-tension ad liver and heart problems are becoming more common. Kids aren't outgrowing the problem, ether. They're carrying it into their adulthood. This generation may be the first with life-expectancy lower than that of their parents.

It's time to fix what's broken. The tools? A jump rope, some snappy rhymes and a little bit of space. Start early and avoid the problem altogether, or introduce your child to jumping now. It's easy to teach jumping rope, and it's an activity that you and your child can enjoy together.

Kids can begin jumping rope as early as their toddler and preschool years. Coordination for these little guys is an issue, so don't expect too much too soon. Introduce jumping rope by simply jumping to the rhymes (www.gameskidsplay.net/Jump_Rope_ryhmes/index.htm or www.aacs.wnyric.org/donius/jump_rope/rhymes.html). Jumping is a great activity for your child, gives them a boost of confidence and makes for great video for grandparents. Begin as early as 12-18 months by reciting the rhymes and jumping to the beats. Your child will begin to mimic you as soon as their development allows, and the activity will be great for both of you.

As their coordination stabilizes, introduce a jump rope. At first, simply lay the rope on the ground. Say the now-familiar rhymes and jump over the immobile rope, always facing front (you'll

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