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.
