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Archive for the ‘Exercise’ Category

Go Outside and Play

April 30th, 2010

I recently came across an ad in a magazine that left me really disturbed.  The National Wildlife Federation is starting a National movement to get kids outside more.  It’s called “Be Out There” (www.beoutthere.org).  Now, I have to say, I am of course 100% behind them and think it is absolutely awesome that they are getting this message out there.  The disturbing part is that we actually have to have such a campaign.  When I was a kid, playing outside was just the norm.  Being “grounded” or having to stay inside was torture.  I remember spending hours and hours outside with no toys – just sticks, mud, some friends, maybe my bike and of course our imaginations.  What are the kids doing today that we have to actually start a movement to even suggest that getting outside might just be a healthier alternative???  I am just dumbfounded that video gaming, cable TV and texting on the couch beat out good old Mother Nature.  What is going on??  Author Richard Louv address this phenomenon in his book “Last Child in the Woods”.  He discusses the link between many common childhood issues such as obesity, attention deficit disorder and depression and the disconnect between today’s children and nature.  He says that time spent in nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of both children and adults.  There is nothing more beautiful and perfect than all that blue sky and green grass just outside your door.  Okay, maybe it’s down the street a bit, or at the park around the corner, but it IS out there – everywhere.  Fresh air and sunshine – it’s a free gift.  For those of us who have kids or care for kids, it all starts with us.  If our kids see us sitting in front of the computer or TV all day, they will model our behavior.  So yes….go outside and play.  Leave the cell phone and the laptop inside.  Enjoy the wonders of nature.  They never get old.  Just be still, look around and take it all in.  It is a very grounding experience (NOT synonymous with being grounded!) and very healthy for our children and ourselves.

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