Book encourages activity in children
Nine experts in various health and wellness fields contributed to the children’s wellness book launched in Houghton.
Busy parents, who want to get their children on track in being active toward their wellness, have a handy guide just for them. Virgin Active South Africa launched a free-to-download e-book titled Kids are here to move: A holistic development and wellness guide for busy families in Houghton on July 23.
Health practitioner and panel discussion facilitator Zuraida Jardine said the book is helpful for parents with children aged 18 months to 13 years old and is filled with helpful and practical information from nine top experts in various fields of health and wellness.
Virgin Active South Africa National Junior Member manager and co-author Catherine Coupar said they have 113 kids’ facilities with a very broad kids’ facility footprint.
“Covid-19 has led to people being much more focused on their health and wellness. Our gyms were closed during the lockdown period and fitness took a knock. That also meant that our kids’ facilities closed. With kids not being able to go to school physically during lockdown, home became everything which led to an increase in lack of activity, and an increase in screen time.
“That is where we come in with our 15- minutes a chapter e-book which is a guide to build the foundation for parents and busy families to help their children get on track and be active toward their wellness journey. Exercise for children has benefits such as cognitive, emotional, physical, psychological, psychosocial and much more.”
Stellenbosch senior lecturer of sports science and co-author of the book Dr Eileen Africa said the best thing is balance between screen time and activity as children need to be active at least 60 minutes per day. “It is daunting but you can split it into a few minutes per session throughout the day.
“Children love competition so you see what activities they love and cultivate that. You can reward them, not with expensive stuff but stars on a chart for instance.”
Registered dietician, also co-author, Kim Hoffman encouraged people to eat nutritious food as a family while relaxed. “You have to model active behaviour by doing it yourself so that children will follow. Children’s personalities are different so find things that work for them.
“Let’s move away from telling children that exercise is for weight loss. Children are adaptable and they learn to get used to it.”
Details: To download the free e-book, click on https://hello.virginactive.co.za/kids-ebook
Filler: Share your comments on twitter @RK_Gazette
Related article:
