10 Reasons Why Kids Need to “Take it Outdoors”

1.           Strong Bones and Lower Cancer Risk: Today’s “indoor kids” don’t get enough sun and are becoming Vitamin D deficient, causing health risks.

2.          Trimmer and More Healthy Kids: An hour of play a day is what doctors say is a basic tool to ward off childhood obesity and diabetes.

3.          Improved Eyesight: Recent studies find that kids who get outdoor time have less nearsightedness and need for eye glasses.

4.         Less Depression and Hyperactivity: Outdoor time in a natural setting (even tree-lined streets) soothes kids and lowers their need for medication.

5.         Longer Attention Spans: Children who stare at TV and video games all day have less patience and shorter attention spans.

6.         Better at Making Friends: Children playing together outdoors relate directly with one another, create games together and improve their “people” skills.

7.          More Creative: Outdoor kids are more likely to use their own imaginations, inventions and creativity while playing.

8.          Less “Acting Out”: Getting kids away from TV violence and video games helps them see that violent behavior does not always solve problems.

9.         Measurably Better Grades in School: The healthy bodies and minds that come with outdoor play are better able to do well in school.

10.     A Longer Lifespan and Healthier Adult Life: Doctors estimate that sedentary and obese children lose three to five years from their life expectancy.

1/1/2010 by Kevin Coyle | The article is on the National Wildlife Federation website.