Instituting Healthy Habits in Young Children

By. Rachel Anzano

Provide children with the resources and motivation to develop exercise and nutrition habits that are both fun and advantageous for their health.

Goal

Obesity is a growing public health concern in the U.S. Since the 1980’s, obesity rates among children has

more than doubled Sedentary lifestyle is becoming the norm;

physical activity is rapidly decreasing. (Singh, 2010)

Schools need to make progressive strides innovative and fun ways to keep kids active and

live a healthy lifestyle

Health Concerns for Children

Strategies to increase fitness and health and making physical activity fun! RunKeeper- software MyFoodDiary-software Rowing Machine- for children Moonwalker Ski Trainer

Strategies

Allows users to track cardiovascular activities through GPS and see statistics about their distance, pace and time. Set personal goals- weight loss and training See workout progression and can be coached during

their workout through headphones. Use/value: Children can track their fitness

progression and goals to help achieve a healthier lifestyle

Cost Ranges from $9.99-$39.99

RunKeeper

RunKeeper is an easy way to track fitness levels, as well as be provided with coaching techniques to further help activity level.

Fast, Easy and affordable way to track your caloric consumption!

Available on smart phones, computers and tablets Track daily food reports, body logs and exercise plans-

designed specifically for your weight loss program Use/value: Easy way for children to know what foods

they are putting in their bodies and the nutritional impact it has on them, so they can make better food choices.

Cost: 7-day free trial, then just 29¢ per day!

MyFoodDiary

Involves smooth, rhythmic and impact free motions which targets multiple muscle groups and requires a wide range of motion Increases flexibility

Built in computer so kids can see their heart rate, speed, distance, time and calories burned.

Rowing Machine

• Use/Value: impact free motion that uses a wide range of motion to increase flexibility

• Cost: $1,385.95• Available to purchase at

Fitness and Kids.com:http://os.fitnessandkids.com/product_info.php/products_id/84

Improves cardiovascular function as well as balance and coordination Great for cardiac circuits- keeps heart rates up

and at steady-rates Tension- free motion

Moonwalker

• Use/value: Increase cardiovascular function and coordination

• Cost: $895.00• Available at Fitness and

Kids.com:http://os.fitnessandkids.com/product_info.php/products_id/87

Great way to get kids active is by replicating real life sports in the gym replicates downhill action to develop

cardiovascular function Increases heart rate and enhances balance. Great for beginners or advanced users

Ski Trainer

• Use/Value: replicates real life sports to increase cardiovascular function and balance

• Cost: $1,385.00• Available to purchase at

Fitness and kids.com:http://os.fitnessandkids.com/product_info.php/products_id/90

Fitness and nutrition trackers are visual education aids that produces results for children that are informative and comprehendible Children will want to use the software because they

can KNOW that they are progressing The fitness equipment are alternative and new

approaches to being active Most children have never been skiing or

experienced the kinds of workout the equipment is designed to give

Overall Benefits

The software and equipment will make children want to be active and eat healthy

Positive strides in fighting the obesity epidemic among children

Total cost: $3,705.95

Invest in these Health Equipment and Software

Singh, G. K., Siahpush, M., & Kogan, M. D. (2010). Neighborhood socioeconomic conditions, built environments, and childhood obesity. Health Affairs, 29(3), 503-12. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.rowan.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/204624524?accountid=13605

References