“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity
belonging to us. When we see land as a
commodity to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”
--Aldo Leopold, from A Sand County Almanac
Children should be active throughout the day,
especially kids ages 3-5. For kids 6-17
years of age, 60 minutes or more of physical activity is recommended by Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. Due
to technology and smart phones, however, many kids are spending too much time
on their screens and not enough time outside.
We need to get better at encouraging outdoor playtime
as a community strategy for reversing childhood obesity. Kids need to be able to research bugs, follow
butterflies, and listen to the birds.
A healthy love of nature was encouraged for my
brothers and me as we grew up in California.
We went camping under the Redwoods, the oldest living trees on the
planet, enjoying hikes through the Sierra and Coastal Mountains and swimming in
the cold northern California lakes. This
habit of playing outdoors and connecting with nature was established when I was
little and is still one of my favorite habits.
When kids smell a gardenia or watch a butterfly dance
on a flower, their senses come alive and pure joy awakens the curiosity that
makes our journey through life meaningful.
Connecting with nature teaches kids how to manage stress and live a
balanced life.
Are your kids connected with nature? Are they outside playing, running, and
exploring? If they are, they will thank
you the rest of their lives.
In gratitude,
Nancy Heinrich, MPH
Founder, Growing Healthy Kids, Inc.
