Articles: Women's Health
Articles: Obesity
Recreation
Recreation is an important aspect to staying healthy. Unfortunately, many children and adults are not engaging in regular, physical activity. This lack of physical activity is leading to a national epidemic in childhood obesity. An article on childhood obesity reports that there around 6 million children who are overweight or obese (Sterner, 2008). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “physical inactivity has contributed to the 100% increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States since 1980” (Sterner, 2008). In South Dakota, 32.9% of children are overweight and/or obese and 32.9% are overweight and/or obese in our region (South Dakota, 2008). Children who are obese are at risk for health problems such as “psychological or psychiatric problems, cardio-vascular risk factors, chronic inflammation, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and asthma” (South Dakota, 2008). However, it is not only the children who are facing this epidemic. It is estimated that 64% of adults in the US are overweight or obese (Sterner, 2008). They too are subject to many of the diseases that are associated with obesity. So what can we do to counteract this growing problem? Engage in regular physical activity!
Physical activity reduces the risk for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. “The CDC estimates that if all physically inactive Americans became active, we would save $77 billion in annual medical costs” (Sterner, 2008). Besides the health benefits, physical activity helps children to “increase their skills and gain the confidence to try new things” (Sterner, 2008). Also, “playing outside is one of the best ways to boost self-esteem and cut anxiety, depression, and stress. Active students generally are less aggressive; show fewer discipline problems; and are less likely to smoke, use illicit drugs, or engage in criminal activity” (Sterner, 2008). The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that “adults be physically active for at least 30 minutes each day, and that children and adolescents be active for at least 60 minutes every day” (Sterner, 2008).
There are many different types of physical activity. Most commonly, people think of physical activity as activities such as playing basketball, swimming, or riding a bicycle. These are all great ways to get up and get healthy! However, there are other avenues for physical activity. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, gardening or mowing the lawn, walking the family dog, or playing a game in the backyard are all great ways to get active.
The City of Rapid City offers many outlets for recreation. There are several parks, sports complexes, swimming pools and swim center, an ice arena, and a bike path located in the city. Additionally, Rapid City offers several recreational programs. These can include, but are not limited to, basketball, tennis, racquetball, and volleyball. There is also a local YMCA that offers several opportunities for recreation. No matter what you choose to do, just remember to Get UP! Get OUT! Get HEALTHY!
Links:
Recreation Facilities
http://www.rcgov.org/parks_recreation/recreation/Facilities/Recreation_Facilities.htm
Sports Complexes
http://www.rcgov.org/parks_recreation/recreation/sport_complexes.htm
Swimming pools
http://www.rcgov.org/parks_recreation/aquatics/aquatics_home_page.htm
Swim Center
http://www.rcgov.org/parks_recreation/aquatics/swim_center/rcsc_home.htm
Ice Arena
http://www.rcgov.org/parks_recreation/recreation/ice_arena/ice_arena_home.htm
Map of Bike Path and Recreation Facilities
(see pdf)
Recreation Programs
http://www.rcgov.org/parks_recreation/recreation/Programs/Recreation_Programs.htm
YMCA
http://www.rcymca.org/start.htm
References:
South Dakota Department of Health. (2008). School height and weight report: For south dakota students 2006-2007 school year. SD: South Dakota Department of Health.
Sterner, D. (2008). Get back to basics: Counteract childhood obesity by urging outdoor exercise and play. RN, 71(8), 48-49.
Resources
Rapid City offers a wide variety of resources to those in need. Listed below are a few of the most commonly used resources. Please feel free to contact these services for assistance or information.
Department of Social Services
http://dss.sd.gov/
510 N Cambell St, Rapid City, SD
(605) 394-2434
Youth and Family Services
http://www.youthandfamilyservices.org/
(605) 341-1177
Food Bank
http://www.sdfoodbanks.org/
814 N Maple Ave, Rapid City
(605) 348-2689