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21 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, October 1, 2009 Tips to keep your preschooler fit (NC)--Weight gain is vital for young children to support health growth and development. It's also important for parents and caregivers to think about supporting their child's participation in physical activity along with offering nutritious meals. The early years are an important opportunity to develop a love for play that is both fun and active. Childhood obesity is on the rise globally and research studies show that television viewing, plus computer usage and other screen entertainment are consistently and significantly associated with weight gain and a decreased level of physical activity. Once school begins, so does physical education, but did you know that the time a child spends being physically active begins to decline as early as age three? Toddlers and preschoolers are naturally active but most parents are unaware of how important it is to engage them in simple, but vigorous physical activity every day. A 2009 Leger Marketing survey of 304 Ontario parents showed that 65% spend less than one hour a day in active play with their toddler. Respondents did recognize the value of play and activity however, with 76% saying it would be good to have more ideas on how to be active with their child. This same survey showed that most preschoolers watch an average of two hours of television every day-- and yet 63% of the parents interviewed said they would like to reduce that amount. "When my grandsons moved in with me, I was surprised to discover how quickly my sixyear-old would get tired," says a grandmother of two in Midland, Ontario. "We started going on adventure hikes together, gradually building up the distance over time. Now, those hikes are something the whole family looks forward to, even my little three-yearold."Have a ball together As the parent of a young child, keep physical activity simple so that it is a regular part of your day. Plan time to do activities such as: dance to music; hop on one foot; or play games where you act like an animal. Choose activities that don't require transportation, special clothing, equipment, or registration fees. A website launched recently by the Best Start Resource Centre at Health Nexus illustrates several fun and easy ways to include physical playtime every day. Here's a snapshot of ideas good for this time of year from www.haveaballtogether.ca : During the fall season: · Have a parade inside or outside using homemade instruments like beans in a jar, a · wooden spoon and plastic bowl. · Spread some blankets on the floor so you can tumble, roll, and balance. · Invent silly names for simple physical activities and then do them together. · Put on music and encourage your child to move to the music. When the music stops, call out stop and then start again. · Rake the leaves and jump in the pile. · Catch the leaves as they are falling. See who can collect the most yellow, orange or red ones. DANCE MUSIC MUSICAL THEATRE DRAMA FINE ARTS PRE-K AFTERNOON ARTS ADVENTURE CAMPS BIRTHDAY PARTIES Serving North Oakville Since 1984 Serving North Oakville Since 1984 Offering Oakville the finest in arts exploration and development. Not Sure What to Register For? Please come and try a class on us! *based on availability Offering Oakville the very best in Arts Education with dynamic, professional, University educated Instructors in all areas. Ages 2.5 to adult Oakville Ac akville A kville The BEST of our Community Oakville Academy akville Aca kville Ac ville A Oakville Academy akville Ac kville A e Voted THE Best Children's Dance Instruction and Music School Year after Year www.oakvilleacademy.com 1011 Upper Middle Road East & Eighth Line 905.844.ARTS (2787)