A Playful Way To Good Health

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 16:40

I still remember that as a young girl I would wait for the four in the evening, so that I can go and play with my friends. I was allowed to play for two hours everyday. The whole day I would wait for those two hours. The two hours of outdoor play helps me to concentrate better on my studies. Now, the colony I live it, I barely see any children playing in the evening. They like computer games better than outdoor playing.

Outdoor play has several physical benefits which help a child grow up in perfect health. At a time when most of the time children are bound in four walls trying to crack different kinds of exams, an hour or so of outdoor games will help them stay physically strong. Lets look at some of the physical benefits of outdoor play -

1.Fitness – Children play generally consist of running, fast pace walking etc. All of which are exercises. While playing every part of the body is exercised for continuous one hour. When body under goes straneous exercise, it's ability to oxygen intake is also enhanced. The first physical benefit of outdoor play is fitness.

2.Immune System – Researches have proved that one of the best physical benefits is enhancing the immune system. The outdoor light stimulates the working of the pineal gland, which enhances the immune system of the body.

3.Coordination – Another benefit is that it helps in enhancing the physical coordination that is the gross motor skills. Movement of the muscles, doing several things at the same time, controlled action enhances the hand-eye coordination in children. This enhanced motor skills, also helps them to be perfect in other daily activities and physical development.

4.Vitamin D Production – The best time to play is in the morning, when the sun ray are not harsh. Sun is a good source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D enhances the immune system, protects the body from infections, strengthens the bone and also helps in enhancing the muscle functions.

5.Controlling Weight – One of the major benefit is controlling weight. Outdoor play is a good workout of the body which enhances the metabolism rate of the body, thus preventing weight gain.

To be addicted to computers since a very early age is not good for health. It brings about early occurrence of physical deformities like weak eye sight, back pain etc.