www.womanthismonth.com 45 November 2012 | Fit to Kill It is something of a contemporary paradox: although 21st century children seem wiser to the ways of the world, their bodies are unhealthier than ever. The amenities and innovation of the modern world seem to have paralysed children’s instincts for good old-fashioned recreation and stress release through movement. Without these basic connections of the body and mind to the world around them, how can they possibly grow into cognisant, healthy participants in society? Children look up to adults and, in some ways, want to be like them. However, adult disease onset in childhood was never supposed to be part of the deal. Idleness and a meagre diet have led to an increase in weight gain, hypertension, cholesterol levels and diabetes amongst children. Part of the challenge in treating these formerly ‘grown-up’ diseases in juveniles is that putting youngsters on prescriptive medications poses risks. On a positive note, there are alternative methods to nipping these issues in the bud. Just breathe Barnes et al found that simple breathing meditation lowered the blood pressure and heart rate in a group of children with normal levels. Those who practised meditation exhibited a greater decrease in the numbers than those who participated in health education. This study suggests that meditation may be a valuable practice for improving children’s health. The technique is easy to learn, costs virtually nothing and can be effectively led by teachers in a classroom. Moreover, other studies have shown that school-based meditation improves classroom conduct. For feedback, comments or questions contact Dr Jinan Darwish via email at: [email protected] • Genetic and hormonal causes of obesity are rare. • Among children who are obese at six years of age, the probability that it will persist exceeds 50 per cent; 70-80 per cent of adolescents who are obese will remain so as adults. • One in three children born in 2000 has a lifetime risk of developing diabetes. • Since the 1970s, obesity rates have more than doubled in pre-school children aged two-five years and adolescents aged 12-19 years, and more than tripled in children aged six -11 years. • Despite pounding publicity and considerable public health efforts to battle childhood obesity, 0.5 per cent of children are added to these sad statistics every year. • While most children spend at least 180 days in school each year, only 8 per cent of elementary schools, 6.4 per cent of middle schools and 5.8 per cent of high schools provide daily physical education. Staggering statistics Focus on yoga According to a research published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and stabilised with medication showed fewer symptoms and great improvement in attention and behaviour when they practised yoga regularly. Thus, the discipline may be a useful complementary activity for children who already take medication to manage their ADHD. Kick it! Tai chi has proven to have multiple therapeutic benefits. It is said that a growing body of knowledge supports the health benefits of regular practice of the internal Chinese martialart form. Evidence from a comprehensive review of more than 200 studies confirms the remedial value of tai chi for improving quality of life, pain management and physical function (including activity tolerance and cardiovascular function). It also reduces the risk of falls, enhances immune response, and increases flexibility, strength, balance and kinaesthetic awareness. Column
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