The Great Outdoors

By Lisa VanWilliams

We recently read a great article by Dr.Bill Sears, M.D., whom is a father of eight and the author of 42 books on family health. He is a practicing pediatrician for over 40 years and he is an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine.

He encourages families to get their children outside to play and not let your child have "a green-grass deficiency". Too much television, iPads, iPhones, computers, games, and constant screens for entertainment, can cause some issues down the road like weakened immune systems, mood problems, and childhood obesity.

When the temps are above 30 degrees, bundle them up and get them outside to play. Dr. Sears goes on to list a few health effects neuroscientists have shown from what a simple walk outside can do:

• decreases heart rate
• more relaxed blood pressure
• increased happy hormones
• decreased stress hormones
• mellower moods
• stronger immune system
• fewer fearful thoughts

Studies also showed children displaying signs of ADD that received an extra 20 minutes of day of vigorous exercise showed signs of improvement -especially in their ability to sit still and focus.  

Source: http://healthylivingmadesimple.com/catalog/?cid=28#page=12