Children enjoy playing video games because they can experience what it might be like to go on interactive adventures, but in many cases playing video games can rob kids of the physical activity they need to stay healthy.
According to a recent study published in BMJ Open, there may be a great way for parents to overcome this: investing in video games that are more active!
Researchers at Curtin University, in Perth, Western Australia, revealed that more physically engaging games can boost children’s level of exercise. Overall, kids in developed countries may spend as much as 90 minutes every day playing video games, HealthDay News reported.
After following 56 children between the ages of 10 to 12 over the course of eight weeks, researchers learned that slight increases in physical activity that active video games can yield may help kids stave off the harmful effects of inactivity. This is especially essential as more youngsters incorporate computers and smartphones into their days.
“While our study focused on the home setting, school offers another opportunity for more active technologies such as sit-stand desks or active-input electronic media as part of lessons,” said the study’s authors. “Therefore small changes across a variety of these platforms could result in a more substantial clinical impact.”
Making kids more active
Are your little ones turning into couch potatoes right before your very eyes? This can be a disheartening thing to witness and can leave you feeling frustrated that you haven’t done more as a parent to instill your children with a love of exercise.
But thankfully there are many ways that you can get kids animated about working up a sweat either indoors or in the great outdoors – all you need to do is get started!
The Nemours Foundation recommends getting kids excited about doing aerobic activities like bicycling, basketball, swimming, soccer, tennis and jogging. Any of these feats can help children build muscle endurance, strength and increased flexibility.
Among the additional benefits of exercise include reduced risk of obesity and a range of chronic pediatric medical conditions that may be caused by high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
For youngsters who may be affected by a cold or flu that keeps them from exercising, parents should consider speaking to a local pharmacist about the benefits of custom flavoring for liquid medicines.
Similar to exercise, which can help kids take command of their overall wellness, custom flavoring can be a beneficial way for youngsters to feel more enthusiastic about getting better and can help medicine taste better.
