As adults we wonder which cardio exercise is better for us. We want to burn off as much fat as possible! Scientists discovered that during intensive exercises, your body burns glycogen, which is a form of stored carbohydrates that are stored in your liver and muscles for energy. During low intensity exercises, your body will burn a lot of fat. These exercises can include running or swimming. But have you tried to get your kid to go running or swimming for the sake of exercise? You were probably met with groans and objections.
Kids need cardio, just like adults. The question is how to get them to indulge in cardio exercise, whether it is high or low intensity. Here are a few simple suggestions:
• Trick them—but don’t lie to them. Encourage them to join you on a fun outdoor walk. Don’t talk about the benefits of walking. Host a swimming party at the local pool and have the children compete to see who can swim the most laps in the least amount of time. These exercises are great for kids.
• Make it fun for them. An Urban Rebounder can be used by anyone. This is great for the rainy days when your kids are full of energy they just have to expend. Made like a small trampoline, this piece of equipment is endorsed by NASA and can be enjoyed while watching television!
• Let them be like mom and dad. If you have gym equipment in your home, allow your children to create their own gym. Using adult equipment may injure little bones and joints. Find home gym equipment for them at www.fitnessandkids.com.
• Get up a sports team. Not all kids are in organized sports. Get up a neighborhood baseball league or tennis team. Team sports will provide great cardio exercise!
Cardio exercise will juice up your metabolism even after you have completed your workout. What this means, is that your body will continue to burn body fat hours after you have stopped. And the more cardio you do, the more energy you and your kids will have.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Four Ways to Take Care of Your Kids' Dental Health
Next to obesity, dental care for kids is one of the crucial health concerns for parents. According to recent health statistics, at least one-fourth of American kids between the ages of two and five and half of the kids between 12 and 15 have some sort of dental problem. How can you keep your kids’ mouth healthy?
1. A stitch in time saves nine. For the first few days immediately after your baby is born, make sure you wash the mouth of your baby regularly. Use a wet washcloth to clean your baby's gums after every meal. When it is time for the baby's teeth to erupt, use fluoridated toothpaste and a soft brush to brush the teeth of your baby gently.
2. Involve your kids in an oral healthcare program at a very early age. Involving your kids with a pediatric dentist at an early stage will make sure that your kids take good care of their teeth. Starting from your kid's first birthday, you should schedule a regular oral health appointment with the dentist. Make sure that they brush their teeth regularly twice a day, once in the morning and again at evening or night.
3. Teach your kids proper brushing techniques. Tell your kids that it is essential that they regularly spit out the toothpaste after the brushing is over! If they are too young to spit the toothpaste on their own, they should use non-fluoridated toothpaste until they are old enough to spit out the toothpaste all by themselves. In fact, as soon as your kid is two or three years old, you should start teaching them proper brushing techniques. You should also teach them how to floss gently. As your kids become older, they will be able to do it all by themselves!
4. Teach your kids how to eat properly: Teaching your kids good eating habits and advising them to avoid eating junk foods such as chocolates and candies will go a long way in keeping their teeth in good health. Find healthy recipes at Fitness and Kids.
Teaching your kids the value of maintaining good oral health is key. As a parent, insist that your kids follow good oral hygiene rules. Taking these steps will make sure that your kids don't suffer from diseases such as gingivitis or cavities later in life.
1. A stitch in time saves nine. For the first few days immediately after your baby is born, make sure you wash the mouth of your baby regularly. Use a wet washcloth to clean your baby's gums after every meal. When it is time for the baby's teeth to erupt, use fluoridated toothpaste and a soft brush to brush the teeth of your baby gently.
2. Involve your kids in an oral healthcare program at a very early age. Involving your kids with a pediatric dentist at an early stage will make sure that your kids take good care of their teeth. Starting from your kid's first birthday, you should schedule a regular oral health appointment with the dentist. Make sure that they brush their teeth regularly twice a day, once in the morning and again at evening or night.
3. Teach your kids proper brushing techniques. Tell your kids that it is essential that they regularly spit out the toothpaste after the brushing is over! If they are too young to spit the toothpaste on their own, they should use non-fluoridated toothpaste until they are old enough to spit out the toothpaste all by themselves. In fact, as soon as your kid is two or three years old, you should start teaching them proper brushing techniques. You should also teach them how to floss gently. As your kids become older, they will be able to do it all by themselves!
4. Teach your kids how to eat properly: Teaching your kids good eating habits and advising them to avoid eating junk foods such as chocolates and candies will go a long way in keeping their teeth in good health. Find healthy recipes at Fitness and Kids.
Teaching your kids the value of maintaining good oral health is key. As a parent, insist that your kids follow good oral hygiene rules. Taking these steps will make sure that your kids don't suffer from diseases such as gingivitis or cavities later in life.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Soda Consumption and Teenagers -The Dangers
Soda consumption and Teenagers -Our Teenagers are in Danger Nutritionally!
Teenagers who drink a lot of soda have now been documented As being more prone to bone fractures and osteoporosis than those who do not drink much soda.
A questionnaire was given to 460 girls in the 9th and 10th grades, asking them about their diet and exercise habits, along with any History of fractures. The study's results showed that girls who drank soft drinks were more than THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY to have a bone fracture. And physically active girls who drank Cola were nearly FIVE TIMES MORE LIKELY to have had a bone fracture.
Studies have linked mineral loss before to Cola consumption, but finally someone thought to check out teenager's consumption and how it might affect them.
Between 40% to 60% of peak bone mass is built during the teenage years. Consumption of soft drinks affects both boys and girls. The acidic nature of the phosphoric acid in the drink causes the body to pull calcium out of the bones to buffer the acid.
Many teenagers are very active in sports. Note how much more likely drinkers of the soft drinks were likely to have a bone fracture? Thirty to fifty percent!! Is your teenager in sports and drinking soft drinks? Colas? I offer Nutritional work ups and mineral assays, using hair analysis. Teenagers I see in my practice today, more than ever before, are not eating many fruits and vegetables. These are needed to provide the minerals to build strong bones. To add to this the consumption of soft drinks and these teenagers are setting themselves up for conditions such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones have become more porous and therefore more fragile and prone to breaking. It is thought to be a problem for older people, however this study shows that teenagers may be the newest group to suffer.
How does your teenager score in soft drink consumption? How does (s)he score in eating plenty of green vegetables? Or other food choices such as yogurt, small amounts of cheese, Beans, Salmon and other things with high calcium/mineral content? And how much water is (s)he drinking? Your teenager may not like water after drinking all the flavored and sugared drinks. However water consumption is vitally important for health and electrical conductivity of the body. As a health practitioner, I suggest one quart of water for every 50 pounds of weight. So if your teenager weighs one hundred pounds, (s)he would need to drink two quarts of water a day. As an added incentive, tell them it will help clear up many bad skin problems.
Educate yourself and your teenager about the use of soft drinks and the consequences. Remember, Prevention is the best measure! Help them to understand the importance of eating their fruits and vegetables and drinking purified water.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac. has worked with both people and pet's
nutrition for the last 20 years. As a Health Practitioner she shares secrets about what to do about health challenges today. Solutions, Tips, Research, Nutrition and products discussed in the Newsletter
Healthy Solutions. To Subscribe visit http://www.health-doc.com
Visit Fitness and Kids for more great articles on kids health and fitness
Teenagers who drink a lot of soda have now been documented As being more prone to bone fractures and osteoporosis than those who do not drink much soda.
A questionnaire was given to 460 girls in the 9th and 10th grades, asking them about their diet and exercise habits, along with any History of fractures. The study's results showed that girls who drank soft drinks were more than THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY to have a bone fracture. And physically active girls who drank Cola were nearly FIVE TIMES MORE LIKELY to have had a bone fracture.
Studies have linked mineral loss before to Cola consumption, but finally someone thought to check out teenager's consumption and how it might affect them.
Between 40% to 60% of peak bone mass is built during the teenage years. Consumption of soft drinks affects both boys and girls. The acidic nature of the phosphoric acid in the drink causes the body to pull calcium out of the bones to buffer the acid.
Many teenagers are very active in sports. Note how much more likely drinkers of the soft drinks were likely to have a bone fracture? Thirty to fifty percent!! Is your teenager in sports and drinking soft drinks? Colas? I offer Nutritional work ups and mineral assays, using hair analysis. Teenagers I see in my practice today, more than ever before, are not eating many fruits and vegetables. These are needed to provide the minerals to build strong bones. To add to this the consumption of soft drinks and these teenagers are setting themselves up for conditions such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones have become more porous and therefore more fragile and prone to breaking. It is thought to be a problem for older people, however this study shows that teenagers may be the newest group to suffer.
How does your teenager score in soft drink consumption? How does (s)he score in eating plenty of green vegetables? Or other food choices such as yogurt, small amounts of cheese, Beans, Salmon and other things with high calcium/mineral content? And how much water is (s)he drinking? Your teenager may not like water after drinking all the flavored and sugared drinks. However water consumption is vitally important for health and electrical conductivity of the body. As a health practitioner, I suggest one quart of water for every 50 pounds of weight. So if your teenager weighs one hundred pounds, (s)he would need to drink two quarts of water a day. As an added incentive, tell them it will help clear up many bad skin problems.
Educate yourself and your teenager about the use of soft drinks and the consequences. Remember, Prevention is the best measure! Help them to understand the importance of eating their fruits and vegetables and drinking purified water.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac. has worked with both people and pet's
nutrition for the last 20 years. As a Health Practitioner she shares secrets about what to do about health challenges today. Solutions, Tips, Research, Nutrition and products discussed in the Newsletter
Healthy Solutions. To Subscribe visit http://www.health-doc.com
Visit Fitness and Kids for more great articles on kids health and fitness
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Active Kids, Healthy Minds! Kick It into Gear with Exercise
A new video game craze is sweeping the nation, and believe it or not, it has our kids up and moving. The dance revolution video games are rising in popularity as they come out with new Playstation, Xbox, and even Gameboy versions. You may be wondering how this could possibly be, in a nation where childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions.
Child experts have written countless reports on the harmful nature of video games. One of their biggest concerns is how video games aid in childhood obesity due to the sedentary nature of this less than active activity. The good news is, this dance revolution is turning our kids on to exercise. Kids are getting active, coming out of their “zombie-like” state to kick it up with dance revolution.
You may be wondering; what is dance revolution, and how exactly does it help with childhood obesity? Dance Revolution is a video game that first gained popularity in arcades. Kids stand on a 3’x3’ dance pad with six squares designating the dance steps. The dance pad is touch sensitive to sense when the player had made a step. The video screen displays a character dancing to the music selected by the player. Arrows indicate where the player is to step on the dance pad.
The game computes each correct dance step and tabulates them to give the player a score. The dance revolution gives kids difficulty level options. Those who have tried the dance revolution say that it requires a lot of practice to really get a hang of the dance moves and the timing. Kids learn rhythm and gain coordination. They are leaving behind their soda pops and candy bars to step to the beat of a new drum. Kids, who otherwise hated exercise and gyms, are finding themselves caught up in the thrill of the dance revolution.
Kids are loving this new video game form of exercise. They see it as a game, but are reaping the benefits of physical fitness. The dance revolution is kicking childhood obesity out the door. Many schools are incorporating the dance revolution into their physical education curriculum and are reporting positive results. Otherwise sedentary, often obese kids are getting involved in the fun.
What starts as just another cool game is helping them to lose weight, gain tone, and even curb appetites. Kids love being able to pick their favorite music and learn “cool” dance steps. Then dance revolution tops it off by making it a game, which meets the kids need for challenge. Kids are finding themselves breaking a sweat, gaining stamina, and “bustin’ a move” instead of just pushing buttons and manipulating a joystick. Arcades are filled with kids wanting to try the dance revolution, unwittingly moving into a healthier lifestyle under the guise of having a great time.
Child experts are also encouraged by the dance revolution because, unlike so many video games, it also stimulates the mind. Dance revolution does not contain violent or otherwise questionable images, and the music and motion stimulate the minds of kids. Kids are taking up this new hobby and dancing in arcades across the country, helping themselves in their own fight against childhood obesity.
Dance revolution has made even greater strides in popularity since it has become available to kids in their homes through Playstation, Xbox, Gameboys, and computers. Kids are practicing their dance moves, honing their skills at home, and then wowing their friends at the arcade. New programs allow kids to create their own dance moves. A video game that sparks creativity and physical activity is a truly great weapon in the battle against childhood obesity.
Want to improve your children's health while creating a better future for them?
Here's where to go for information, equipment, activities...Kids health and Fitness equipment, Dance revolution and more! http://www.fitnessandkids.com
Child experts have written countless reports on the harmful nature of video games. One of their biggest concerns is how video games aid in childhood obesity due to the sedentary nature of this less than active activity. The good news is, this dance revolution is turning our kids on to exercise. Kids are getting active, coming out of their “zombie-like” state to kick it up with dance revolution.
You may be wondering; what is dance revolution, and how exactly does it help with childhood obesity? Dance Revolution is a video game that first gained popularity in arcades. Kids stand on a 3’x3’ dance pad with six squares designating the dance steps. The dance pad is touch sensitive to sense when the player had made a step. The video screen displays a character dancing to the music selected by the player. Arrows indicate where the player is to step on the dance pad.
The game computes each correct dance step and tabulates them to give the player a score. The dance revolution gives kids difficulty level options. Those who have tried the dance revolution say that it requires a lot of practice to really get a hang of the dance moves and the timing. Kids learn rhythm and gain coordination. They are leaving behind their soda pops and candy bars to step to the beat of a new drum. Kids, who otherwise hated exercise and gyms, are finding themselves caught up in the thrill of the dance revolution.
Kids are loving this new video game form of exercise. They see it as a game, but are reaping the benefits of physical fitness. The dance revolution is kicking childhood obesity out the door. Many schools are incorporating the dance revolution into their physical education curriculum and are reporting positive results. Otherwise sedentary, often obese kids are getting involved in the fun.
What starts as just another cool game is helping them to lose weight, gain tone, and even curb appetites. Kids love being able to pick their favorite music and learn “cool” dance steps. Then dance revolution tops it off by making it a game, which meets the kids need for challenge. Kids are finding themselves breaking a sweat, gaining stamina, and “bustin’ a move” instead of just pushing buttons and manipulating a joystick. Arcades are filled with kids wanting to try the dance revolution, unwittingly moving into a healthier lifestyle under the guise of having a great time.
Child experts are also encouraged by the dance revolution because, unlike so many video games, it also stimulates the mind. Dance revolution does not contain violent or otherwise questionable images, and the music and motion stimulate the minds of kids. Kids are taking up this new hobby and dancing in arcades across the country, helping themselves in their own fight against childhood obesity.
Dance revolution has made even greater strides in popularity since it has become available to kids in their homes through Playstation, Xbox, Gameboys, and computers. Kids are practicing their dance moves, honing their skills at home, and then wowing their friends at the arcade. New programs allow kids to create their own dance moves. A video game that sparks creativity and physical activity is a truly great weapon in the battle against childhood obesity.
Want to improve your children's health while creating a better future for them?
Here's where to go for information, equipment, activities...Kids health and Fitness equipment, Dance revolution and more! http://www.fitnessandkids.com
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Help Your Kids Fall Into Exercise
Now that school has been back in session for a few weeks, children are settling back into their routine of homework and extra curricular activities. Unless your kids are active in sports, they may be missing out on a key element of good health—exercise. Trying to get your child off the couch after a stressful (for them!) day at school or on the weekend is a challenge. And if your kids are coming home alone because you work, you may not be able to make sure they are doing more than watching videos or playing video games.
Here’s a hint: If kids don’t think of it as exercise and they think it is fun, they will do it. If you give them some incentive, they may even be excited about the activity.
Getting homework done is important, but let your children to bypass it for a few hours after they first get home. Encourage them to do some sort of activity, even if it is just playing a game of freeze tag in the backyard. You can set a later time for homework.
Have a fun activity at home. Your children are not likely to jump on your treadmill. They will enjoy jumping on a Rebounder, a mini trampoline that can fit in almost any room of the house or in the backyard. This is an activity that can be done rain or shine!
Most kids enjoy video games and will choose to play the latest super space competition instead of going outdoors. Why not give them a game that is fun, competitive and is a great workout? Dance Dance Revolution has the feel of a video game, but kids will burn calories while keeping up with the steps. They will not even know they are exercising!
Do an activity with them. Take an afternoon bike ride in the neighborhood. Head to the tennis courts for a challenging match with your children. Take a stroll after dinner.
If your kids are active in sports, you have other concerns. In recent years, some children and teens have died during a sports activity. If your child is playing sports, you need to make sure they are physically healthy enough. Most sports require an exam before the child is cleared to play.
Watch one of the practice sessions if you have concerns your children are being pushed too hard. Even though school sports are competitive, they children are supposed to enjoy them! If the sport seems more fierce than fun, consider withdrawing your child. Many local recreation department offer sports programs.
For more great articles like this visit Fitness and kids
Here’s a hint: If kids don’t think of it as exercise and they think it is fun, they will do it. If you give them some incentive, they may even be excited about the activity.
Getting homework done is important, but let your children to bypass it for a few hours after they first get home. Encourage them to do some sort of activity, even if it is just playing a game of freeze tag in the backyard. You can set a later time for homework.
Have a fun activity at home. Your children are not likely to jump on your treadmill. They will enjoy jumping on a Rebounder, a mini trampoline that can fit in almost any room of the house or in the backyard. This is an activity that can be done rain or shine!
Most kids enjoy video games and will choose to play the latest super space competition instead of going outdoors. Why not give them a game that is fun, competitive and is a great workout? Dance Dance Revolution has the feel of a video game, but kids will burn calories while keeping up with the steps. They will not even know they are exercising!
Do an activity with them. Take an afternoon bike ride in the neighborhood. Head to the tennis courts for a challenging match with your children. Take a stroll after dinner.
If your kids are active in sports, you have other concerns. In recent years, some children and teens have died during a sports activity. If your child is playing sports, you need to make sure they are physically healthy enough. Most sports require an exam before the child is cleared to play.
Watch one of the practice sessions if you have concerns your children are being pushed too hard. Even though school sports are competitive, they children are supposed to enjoy them! If the sport seems more fierce than fun, consider withdrawing your child. Many local recreation department offer sports programs.
For more great articles like this visit Fitness and kids
Friday, April 18, 2008
Starting your Child on an Exercise Program
In today’s world, it would seem that more and more people tend to put exercise on the backburner in favor of more fast paced results to our desires. In recent years, there have been a significant number of diet pills claiming the “true” scientific way to lose weight and gain muscle definition. Unfortunately, it would seem that this kind of mentality has been passed on to our kids, and that they are finding less motivation to exercise.
Exercise programs for kids are hugely important. America holds the not so illustrious title of the fattest nation in the world and this moment, our kids are poised to inherit that title. That is something that all parents would not find as a particularly comforting thought.
Read More....
Exercise programs for kids are hugely important. America holds the not so illustrious title of the fattest nation in the world and this moment, our kids are poised to inherit that title. That is something that all parents would not find as a particularly comforting thought.
Read More....
Friday, March 07, 2008
The Benefits of Rebounding
If you’ve ever seen a child on a trampoline, you know how many hours of fun they can have on them. As a matter of fact, it’s often quite a feat tearing him or her away from it. There’s just something about bouncing around that is almost addictive. Little do kids realize what great exercise they’re getting.
Trampolines are available in many different sizes. There are large ones that will hold several people, smaller ones for two or three, and the tiny ones that one person can jump in place on. But there is also a type of trampoline called a rebounder, which can provide great exercise opportunities.
A rebounder is similar in size to a one-person mini-trampoline, but is designed specifically for maximum benefit when exercising. It is ultra-strong, and used properly is easy on joints while providing an excellent physical workout. Rebounding burns fat, builds core strength, and can greatly improve your balance and coordination. Few other exercises offer all of these benefits in such an appealing way.
Rebounders are great for kids because they are fun. Even children who are not inclined to participate in sports or other physical activities often enjoy jumping. So even the most stubborn video game lover will quite possibly use a rebounder without any persuasion.
Another great thing about rebounders is their compact size. They do not take up nearly as much space as most exercise equipment, and some even fold up for easy storage. Unlike most trampolines, they can be used indoors. That means that worries about the weather do not have to have a negative impact on exercise time.
Perhaps one of the most important advantages of rebounding is its safety. The rebounder’s springs absorb almost all shock so that your body isn’t subjected to it. And beginners can use training bars until they get the hang of it.
Rebounders are wonderful for use in homes, schools, physical therapy, and most other applications. Their small size, ease of use, and fun factor make them ideal for children. Just twenty minutes of use three times a week is all that is required for measurable results.
Fun Fun Fun-Rebounding great exercise of kids and adults
article owned by www.fitnessandkids.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
