New challenges face the youth of today. The world is evolving dramatically and in an attempt to keep pace, the younger generation are working harder, achieving and dreaming bigger while entering their young adulthood. As a result of globalization and improving economy, food choices have become abundant and lifestyles more sedentary. New problems now face the generation Y. Higher stress levels, obesity and a future promise of degenerative diseases like Diabetes and Coronary Vascular Disease. All this put together sets the stage for a poorer quality life if the youth don’t pay attention to health and wellness, nutrition and exercise from a very young age.
Time constrains seem to be a rule rather than an exception even for the youth of today, what with abundant academic work to deal with, computer games to play, television programs to watch; exercise tends to be placed on the back burner.
In comparison to the city dwellers, the people living in rural areas are probably more active and less stressed and therefore experience a better quality of life. In general activity levels have dropped however, so it is imperative that every one, young or old include structured exercise into their day. Exercise is different from activity. “Physical activity” is what we do day to day, walking to school/college, chores, shopping etc. “Physical exercise” on the other hand, is defined as “structured, rhythmic, repetitive activity that is carried out for a stipulated period of time, at a prescribed intensity to gain certain benefits in the cardio pulmonary and muscular system”. 30 minutes of regular aerobic activity at least 5 days a week, burning at least 150-calories/ session is what is recommended by the American Heart Association for maintenance of health.
The teenage years are particularly important to build a strong foundation of health and fitness. A sedentary, over weight adolescent sets a pattern for her young adulthood. Strength training can be started as young as 14yrs of age under supervision. Improper lifting technique may lead to epiphyseal injury and needs to be guarded against. Avoiding power lifting competitive and body building sport is recommended until skeletal maturity is reached.
Flexibility, proper body alignment, posture and muscle imbalances can all be corrected with the proper combination of aerobic, strength training, core conditioning and stretches.
Aerobic training is imperative to help build cardiovascular endurance and control body weight. Obesity in childhood and youth has ominous projections in the future. Besides being a precursor to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, obesity is directly linked with fertility problems like polycystic Ovaries, degenerative disorders of the joints, asthma, sleep apnea and even some forms of cancer. Poor body image is known to lower self-confidence and morale. Studies have shown that over weight children may even have problems making friends and interacting socially.
About 30% of adolescent population is overweight. Do over weight parents play a role in obesity of the child? Although there may be a genetic basis for obesity, the environmental factors like lifestyle and food choices and regular exercise seem more important. Parents leading by example may be the best way to encourage the youth to live healthier lives.
