I don't know about you, but personally, having a very active toddler has provided quite a bit of insight and now experience into the world of parenthood, exercise and where these two meet. In our search to find activities to drain all of his energy, we have found that it can be quite challenging to find parks, play fields or other safe, outdoor options.
At the end of last year October 2008, a groundbreaking article was presented entitled "Green Neighborhoods May Reduce Childhood Obesity"' , the first of its kind, it appears to be. It can be found in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (the publication of the American College of Preventive Medicine) and is reported to be the 'first study to look at the effect of greenness on inner city children's weight over time'.
The correlation found was quite simple, actually, and to some, quite intuitive as well. The more green space, the lower the weight gains in these children followed over a 2-year period. And even more wonderful was the confirmation that the physical environment is very important -- more outdoorexercise and activity also helps school performance, better attention and focus, improved behavior and increased positive state of mind. This also stresses, then, the importance of sunshine and fresh air not only on physical health but also on mental health.
I find it fascinating and downright exhilarating that many disciplines and professions must become involved in order to fully address this childhood obesity epidemic -- architects, city planners, public health experts and researchers, geographers, physicians, trainers, exercise specialists, dieticians, psychologists, policy makers, and school systems (and more, I am sure!). We find ourselves in a very isolated environment most of the time, all going about our own business, our own day, our own preoccupations, and it is good to see that many are working together for the benefit of the children.
Continuing in this positive light, we have seen some small changes over the years -- as public awareness has increased, so have the green spaces s..l..o..w..l..y been popping up and already established local parks seem to be renewing their equipment, keeping their grounds cleaner and more manicured. Perhaps they are seeing the benefits of investing in their community and in making them more family friendly... or perhaps you and I are actually taking the time to make good use of these wonderful spaces full of laughter and fun motivating others to make these changes? Hmmm... something to think about...
* American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 35, Issue 6 (December 2008) published by Elsevier
Picture by Jean-Michel Pouget, PhotoXpress
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