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.

1. Couch Potato Syndrome
By Dr. Mahboob Khan

2. Transport has been the 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.