Couch Potato Syndrome by Dr. Mahboob Khan

Couch Potato Syndrome by Dr. Mahboob Khan

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  Couch Potato Syndrome ByDr. Mahboob Khan
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  Transport has beenthe revolution of the previous century but with its wake has brought out a civilization wherein sedentary habits are the rule of everyday. Kids are equally involved in the bargain and the sad part of it is many ailments that precipitate due to inactivity strike them young and worse still become a harbinger of many diseases of adulthood, early in life. Couch potatoes as they are called are the ones who stick on to their sofas just watching the idiot box that has caused many such unwarranted developments in health. Probably a long vacation could be a precipitating factor for inactivity while the unexpected strife in the country’s developments has brought with it some unexpected holidays. This is the time when children tend to relax but when they cross the line the human body becomes mentally and physically inactive. The first hazard of being inactive is laziness. It creeps into the system and affects every part of the child’s life i.e academic, social, physical and mental. The children do not have the energy to socialize, grades keep falling and mentally are not as reflective as they should be at their age. Obesity causes enough need for botheration. An accumulation of fact more than twenty percent above normal is obesity. On its own obesity can cause a host of issues like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and stroke later in life. It is important that a child involves in a game of physical activity as sitting at home watching television or playing on the computer does nothing for physical or mental health. If they do not like who they are anymore it is most probably due to the fact that the child has started getting depressed which is a side effect of inactivity. This is in fact a road to sorrow. Self confidence goes down the drain and they start thinking that something is wrong with themselves. It is the parent’s prerogative to find out what is the activity that the child could be interested in and inculcate the habit in them. Whether it is cycling, swimming, playing tennis or for that matter dance classes nothing is taboo to keep the metabolism on a high. Chores like tending the garden, cleaning in the house, taking the dog for a walk will expose the children to physical work which is essential to keep the laziness away. Sugar-laden foods cause a spiking of blood sugars and equally fall down and can cause lack of appetite, so foods which are gradually digested are ideal for any metabolism and need to be encouraged.