Growing up, I always looked forward to summer vacation.  Some days I would slip from the house early in the morning and explore the abandoned railroad station near our home. Other days my mother would banish me from the house with the “it’s too nice out to be inside” excuse.  Now that I’m a bit older, I miss that.  Back then we had it good.  Lets face it, when was the last time that the kids wanted to break brush or explore that abandoned lot behind your house instead of watching TV or playing their “killer” video game?  This lack of interest in being outside just might be doing our children more harm than good.  In fact, a new report just released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention warns that this behavior is putting our children at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes.

The report states that one in three children born in 2000 will contract Type 2 diabetes if their exercise and eating habits do not change.  It seems that the lack of physical activity and an increase in fatty, sugary foods are to blame.  So what can we do to avert this disaster?

The first thing we can do is lead by example. As most of you know, children are sponges and learn just as much from observation as they do from direct instruction.  If you value physical fitness and a healthy body, chances are, that will have an impact on the child who looks up to you.  In fact, a great way to get you both involved is to choose an activity that you can do together.  Here are three fun and inexpensive ideas to get your child away from the TV or video game and provide you with some exercise too:

1. Frisbee Golf:  This is a great way to get out and enjoy the beauty of a local park while getting the added bonus of a cardiovascular workout and increased hand eye coordination. Are you a speed demon or do you like to savor the experience?  Either way you both may find you get hooked on this trendy new sport.

2. Visit a local climbing gym:  Climbing is not only challenging but also teaches functional coordination and fine motor skills.  And it’s a great workout!  Many climbing gyms have youth programs for beginners and advanced climbers alike.

3. Skate the day away:  Most locales, from cities to small towns, have roller or skating rinks. These are wonderful places to take your children to get some much-needed exercise.  Skating will increase your child’s balance, coordination and heart rate and they'll have fun doing it.

Our children are our greatest resource and deserve to have the best chance at a long and healthy life.  By focusing on a healthy lifestyle ourselves, we can lead them down the path towards that goal.  Not only will this serve to protect them from the pending danger of diabetes, but it will also enhance our own quality of life and relationship with our children.