A new study has an innovative approach to helping kids slim down – walk the dog.
“A study of more than 2,000 young people in London and the Midlands found that children with dogs spend an average of 325 minutes doing physical activity per day, which is 11 minutes more than those without dogs.”
It probably helps to have a reason to get outside. Dogs need to be walked and so do kids. Another idea is to take the dog to the playground or a dog park. Many swimming pools let dogs come and swim at the end of the season. Dogs can make exercising more enjoyable for kids (and adults!).
This isn’t the first study that shows that dogs can help with physical fitness. Researchers from St George’s, University of London, said that dog owners also spent 11 minutes less sitting still each day (probably because they have to get up to feed or let the dog out). They also took 4% more steps.
“A report from the British Heart Foundation found that 15% of boys and 19% of girls do not even get 30 minutes of physical activity each day. It’s recommended that they get 60 minutes.”
So if you need some motivation to help your kids be more active, consider getting a new family pet. A dog might just be a great investment in your children’s health.
See: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23880908-walking-the-dog-could-help-children-avoid-obesity.do
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Tags: Dog, Dog park, Physical exercise
