Nature's Health Benefits

21 Jan 2009

by Leyla Erk McCurdy

in Benefits, Health Issues, Parenting, Resources

They might look harmless, but living room couches, home computers, TVs and game systems are contributing to a health crisis in our kids.

Indoor activities, dominated by television, the Internet and video gaming, have contributed to a sedentary lifestyle in our kids. Our children and adolescents are becoming increasingly unhealthy, both physically and mentally, as they spend more time sitting indoors and less time playing outdoors.

Evidence suggests that outdoor play time -- or activities including hiking, visiting a park, bicycling and sports -- is beneficial to a child's physical and mental well-being. Regular exposure to the natural environment can increase physical activity, help in childhood development, act as a coping mechanism for attention disorders, and help reduce stress.

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) has launched its Children and Nature Initiative webpage, which includes helpful online resources, a comprehensive fact sheet and recommendations on getting your kids outdoors.

What you can do:

• Engage your child in age-appropriate, enjoyable activities such as hiking, bicycling or going to a park.

• Turn off the TV or computer after school. Take your child for a walk or to the playground.

• Visit a nature center.  NEEF has a comprehensive list of centers around the country.  There's one near you.

• Talk with your child's pediatrician and encourage them to use the Pediatric Environmental History Screening Form, which will help him/her assess the amount of time children spend outdoors and the amount of time they spend watching TV, using a computer, or playing video games.

Defeat the couch! Join the movement to get children outside, and together we can teach our youth how to protect their health and the environment.