Lena Kairau and Buddy Meyer Active Families and Family Lifestyle Coach Advisors Sport Bay of Plenty

Unfortunately the obesity statistics for children in New Zealand do not paint a positive picture. The latest data available from the 2012/13 Health Survey found that 1 in 9 children (aged 2–14 years) were obese (11%) and a further 1 in 5 children were overweight (22%).

There is evidence that obese children are at greater risk of negative short term and long term health consequences. Obesity in children can be associated with musculoskeletal problems, asthma and poor self-esteem. In addition, obesity can lead to serious health concerns such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease; so it is imperative that lifestyle changes are made early in childhood.

In terms of daily eating habits try to avoid high sugar and high fat foods such as fizzy drinks, chips, takeaways and pastries. Look for healthier alternatives such as fruit, vegetable sticks with hummus, nuts, yoghurt, crackers, vegetable soup and drinking water.

With the multitude of computer activities and gaming consoles available many children are spending several hours each week engaged in sedentary behaviour. Ideally children should be doing at least the recommended sixty minutes of physical activity each day. Regular exercise has many benefits including building and maintaining strong muscles and bones. Active children are more confident, do better in school as they are able to concentrate for longer periods, sleep better and generally grow up to be fit adults.

If you feel you or your family could increase your levels of physical activity here are some ideas:

- Take time to have active fun with your children, such as playing outside or dancing to your favourite music. Often all it takes is a ball or Frisbee in your back yard.

- Include active options in the weekend such as walking in nature, going to the park or playing cricket on the beach. The bonus with these is they come at no cost.

- Find fun, active ways to celebrate special occasions such as a sports challenge, going swimming or a cycling track birthday party.

- Encourage your children to walk, bike or scooter to and from school. Drop your child off a couple of blocks away from school, and the children can walk in and get fresh air along the way.

- Take every opportunity to leave your car at home and walk, or choose other active options such as taking the stairs instead of the lift or getting off the bus stop one stop early. Think of the term snacktivity, ten minute bouts of exercise during the day all add up!

For other ideas and to gain information on what is available in the Bay of Plenty you can visit the Sport Bay of Plenty website on www.sportbop.co.nz or contact your local Sport Bay of Plenty office.

Start your journey to a more active lifestyle and better health outcomes now!