by Elaine M. Doxie

Created on: August 23, 2010   Last Updated: September 23, 2010

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in our society today.  Both adults and children are leading increasingly sedentary lifestyles thanks to modern technology.  Why should our children go outside to talk to their friends when we can keep up with them through chatting or texting?  They don't even need to go outside to play games when they have video games right there at their fingertips. While technology is convenient, it must be balanced with physical activity in order to keep both ourselves and our children healthy.  Here are just some of the ways that technology may be contributing to childhood obesity, and little changes that we can make in order to help our children and ourselves, healthier.

When we are busy, it's very easy to start relying on the "electronic babysitters" otherwise known as the computer and television.  After all, if our children are in front of the computer screen or television, we know where they are, and what they are doing.  This makes our lives easier.  Sometimes it is necessary to sit our kids in front of the television or have them play video games so that we can have time to do the things we need to do, like cleaning the house or fixing dinner.  Wii fit, Dance Dance Revolution and some television dance programs are great for this purpose, and encourage the children to get up and get moving while we are working.

It's also important that we set a good example for our children.  If we are constantly watching tv or on the computer ourselves, they are going to think that is the thing to do.  Get down and play with your kids.  If you're stuck in the house because it's rainy or too hot, play a game of Twister with them, which is both physical and fun, and helps keep up your flexibility as well.  If it's nice outside, go for a walk to the park.  Play a game of basketball with them.  Even just playing catch can help to keep you and them more physically fit.

Whatever you do, do not let them eat at the computer or in front of the television.  This can lead to not only childhood obesity but contributes to continuing to overeat later in life as well.  By having to leave the computer or television before they eat, it causes them to actually think about whether or not they really are hungry, keeping them from just mindlessly munching.  This is good advice to follow for adults as well.

Just a few small changes can make the difference between bad habits that are likely to lead to obesity, and good habits that they will carry with them for life.  We have to remember that our children are our future, and as such, we have the responsibility to teach them good habits to carry with them all their lives.

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