Are your children couch potatoes? Do they spend more time in front of a screen (TV, computer or gaming system) then they do outside? This article posted today on HealthDay, Yahoo news, stresses the importance of exercise for kids of all ages.
Couch-Potato Kids: It Shows in Their Eyes, Researchers Say
Who knew that the vessels in your children’s eyes get narrower from lack of exercise? That narrowing can lead to increased blood pressure which can then lead to heart attacks and strokes. I was shocked when I read the article. I usually associate narrowing of the arteries with stressed out adults, overweight people or elderly people with multiple health problems. I was relieved to learn that starting at the TV is not the cause of the narrowing of the vessels.
Berrocal stressed that parents should know it’s not the TV or computer time affecting the retinal vessels, “it is the lack of exercise.” And that lack of exercise often gets worse as screen time climbs.
This article is a must-read for parents of school-aged children. I don’t think taking away TV or game time is the answer to the world’s cardiovascular health problems. I think kids should still be allowed a moderate amount of screen time with a healthy balance of outdoor fun. Exercise, exercise, exercise can change those couch potatoes into tater tots! 🙂
Does this article change the time your child spends in front of the TV? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
