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Health & Fitness

Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity has tripled in the last 30 years according to data from the Centers of Disease Control.  With more and more children getting hooked on computer games at an earlier age, unfortunately, that number will continue to grow.  We as parents and community leaders have an obligation to put a stop to it or else it will follow them into adulthood.  I am a perfect example, having struggled with weight all my life, I am not setting a great example for my own children.

 

Here is where dance can step in.  For the child who has no interest in sports, or can’t play sports, dance is the perfect solution.  Not only does it increase the heart rate, it does it in such a fun way, often children don’t mind exercising. Today’s physical education programs are so limited, children don’t get a chance to develop agility or flexibility if they don’t do an outside sport.  Dance is the perfect answer. It helps explore special concepts as well as works on auditory and visual senses.

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Dance goes a step beyond physical fitness. It develops natural rhythm and internal musicality. It provides children a way to express themselves and provides an outlet for emotions.  In this day and age where bullying is so prevalent and children can be so unkind, children need an outlet to vent and express their feelings.

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Dance can make children feel good about their bodies and confident about who they are. Most children will never become professional ballerinas, but all can benefit from participating in a local dance class.

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