Give the gift of healthy habits

Sydney South West Area Health service is urging parents and grandparents to buy children active gifts this Christmas in a bid to help them stay fit and healthy.

Dr Chris Rissel, Director of the Sydney South West Area Health Service Health Promotion Unit said buying children active gifts will help combat the growing obesity epidemic in NSW.

“We are urging people to buy gifts that encourage physical activity,” Dr Rissel said.

“Physical activity is not only important to maintain a healthy weight, it can also build strong bones and muscles, develop hand-eye coordination, improve balance and flexibility, enhance relaxation and build self esteem.

“Using this equipment and playing with your children is a great gift to them, and can be a lot of fun for parents too,” he said.

The Australian Physical Activity Recommendations for children and young people state that children should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

“This physical activity can be made up in bursts of exercise and will be helped along with active toys.”

Active gifts might include:
• balls and frisbees
• beach gear
• hula hoops and skipping ropes
• sporting goods such as racquets, cricket sets or soccer goals

Dr Rissel said by offering children a range of physical activities and by being active ourselves, we can help children develop an active approach to life.

“Encouraging kids to be active when they are young also encourages healthy habits that will stay with them into adulthood.

“This Christmas, do something for your children’s health by giving them toys that encourage physical activity rather than videogames or DVDs,” he said.



Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies is a joint initiative of Fairfield City Council and Sydney South West Area Health Service.  For more information on health issues, phone Fairfield City Council on 9725 0393.