Kids Yoga: A Solution to Global Obesity in Children

Two topics that most people are tired of hearingEducators, doctors, Yoga teachers, and parents
about are obesity and childhood obesity. The problemcannot afford to wait until the next study on childhood
is we will not find solutions for these problems if weobesity is completed to take action. Children are bigger
"bury our heads in the sand." Kids Yoga is a viablethan ever, due to inactivity and a high fat /
solution to obesity in children, but this requires schoolscarbohydrate diet. Large numbers of big children will
and parents to take action now.become even bigger adults, who are at risk of heart
Obesity has crept up on all age groups quickly; childrendisease, high blood pressure, diabetes, various forms of
in some countries need to change their lifestylescancer, and much more.
immediately. If not, there will be serious healthTherefore, educators, doctors, Yoga teachers, and
repercussions that will shake our health systems andparents must be proactive. Do not expect grant
fragile economies.money, government assistance, or any help from "big
How did massive numbers of obesity get here? Howbrother." Look at the reaction to global warming by the
can less physical activity in children be acceptable?world's governments and you see how long it takes to
How could Kids Yoga be a solution?get a reaction.
Parents today have less buying power than ourFor parents with school-aged children, there has never
parents had. Many children are shifted from school tobeen a better time for them to attend Yoga classes.
day care, while both parents are working extra hoursChildren consider Yoga an extension of other games
to support the family. Many of today's meals areand exercises they would normally do. Children will
composed of processed foods -whether they arenaturally jump, roll on the ground, run, and spin around, in
store-bought, or bought for takeout, from a restaurant.the course of playing with their friends.
Physical education has suffered serious cutbacksWith proper supervision from a certified Yoga teacher,
since the "Cold War" ended. Back in the 1970's, andchildren learn what they can and cannot do. Kids Yoga
before, children ran and played outside more often.classes teach safe Hatha Yoga techniques for
The Yoga lifestyle helps parents and children manageflexibility, strength and muscle tone.
diet in a very busy and stressful world. If you areIf a child is obese, parents should not expect instant
conscious of it, there are wiser food choices, evenmiracles with weight loss, and parents would do well to
from restaurants. When children practice Yoga, theylearn the practice of Hatha Yoga. In this way, parents
become much more aware of their diet, posture,and children will both be aware of proper dieting and a
activities, and daily exercise routine.much healthier lifestyle.