CEBU, Philippines - Children today have got it made. They have an endless choice of television shows to watch. They have access to the latest technology, which allows them to play games and have fun for hours on end. Even researching can be done with a flick of the wrist through the Internet.
This means, they are spending most of their free time lounging on their comfy sofas while being entertained.
Gone are the days of playing outside with neighbors. Gone are the days of running around outside when you’re bored at home with nothing to do.
As a result, most children today are overweight or obese.
Did you know that 80% of overweight or obese children grow up to be overweight or obese adults? Most overweight children carry on their weight to adulthood and are unable to shed the pounds for the rest of their lives.
Overweight and obese adults are in danger of high blood pressure, diabetes and a host of other diseases. Obesity is already a crisis in the US. At the rate we are going, the Philippines will have the same crisis in a few years time.
It is alarming that people who suffer from these types of diseases are getting younger in age.
According to an HBO documentary called “The Weight of the Nation: Children in Crisisâ€, giving kids a venue for exercising is the best gift you can give to your children. The benefits are multitude in number. The kids don’t only get healthier; they start performing better in school as well. Studies show that children who are physically fit have more energy to take on the tasks they have in school. They are also able to concentrate on the lessons far better than kids who don’t get exercise.
Having a venue for exercise also allows them to see that you can have fun outside of your electronic gadgets.
Sacred Heart - Hijas de Jesus recognizes the need for physical exercise, not just of the children, but also of the family as a whole. The school’s Parents’ Association, in cooperation with the school’s Student Council and Foundation, has organized a Fun Run called the Phoenix Run 2 to be held on March 17, 2013 at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu with distances catering to every fitness level and every age.
For children toddlers and preschoolers, they have the 100 and 200 meter dash. For elementary students to adults, they have the 1k, 3k and 5k run, while serious fitness buffs can join the 10k run.
On its second year, the Phoenix Run is an exciting way for the whole community to get together and run those calories away.
Children and parents can run as a family and have fun together while working out!
The Phoenix Run 2 is brought to you in partnership with Ayala Center Cebu, Virginia Food, Inc, Nature’s Spring Water, The FREEMAN, Cebu Daily News and Sunstar Daily.
For inquiries, please call 3162218 or 2536347. Registration forms are available at Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus and Active Zone Ayala Center Cebu. (FREEMAN)