You are never too young for exercise

By Richard Kahn
Contributing Writer

All toddlers need exercise. Especially the nearly 1 out of 5 children in Highbridge, under age 5, who are overweight. A child is overweight when they are more than 20% over their expected weight. Children with a medically acceptable weight for their height are less likely to be heavy when older. Overweight adults are more likely to get diabetes (sugar disease), high blood pressure, kidney and heart problems. While nutrition plays a big part in weight gain, so does physical activity. Besides, little kids have more energy than a Bronx apartment can hold. It seems like common sense, but scientists have proven that the more kids watch TV, the more they gain weight.

Wise parents know that vigorous activity makes for calm, happy children. Everyone caring for little kids, including grandparents, babysitters, and, especially, parents should take toddlers outside when the weather is nice. City parks make it easy for kids to run and play.

Are Highbridge Parks Safe From Crime?

Stephen Wattley, Community Affaitrs Officer at the 44th precinct, says, “The Nelson Avenue park is safe!” The same applies to all other Highbridge parks during the day. Police know that the more a park is used, the safer it is. Mysteriously, the Nelson Avenue playground and other playgrounds, like Merriam, are nearly empty until 3 PM. That is when the older kids rush in from school.

New York City leads the nation in playground safety. The recently renovated park on Nelson Avenue has padded surfaces in the toddler areas for softer, less teary landings. Along with a water sprinkler, the park has been recently spruced up and landscaped.

Toddlers like simple types of fun. Chasing bubbles, playing with a ball and drawing with chalk pleases most kids. Other children are usually all a child needs to scamper about while you play along or relax. Bring along some healthy snacks like fruit or dry cereal. This prevents buying chips or other junk foods. There are picnic tables for more elaborate meals. For this age group, a picnic with a simple peanut butter sandwich and fruit dessert with a grown up or friends is a treat.

Bring water or use the working fountain. New York City water has iron and manganese, essential for good health. Most folks are low in these minerals so there is an advantage to the free supply. Bring a cup if you are worried about germs or splashes.

What about kids with asthma?

These days, the key word in asthma is management. Exercise is part of management for nearly all-small children with asthma. Exercise increases lung capacity and makes a child healthier, according to Dr. Gloria Reyes. Dr. Reyes is a pediatrician at the Highbridge Health Center at 164th St. and Ogden Avenue.

Alongside encouraging exercise, parents must know how to identify asthma attacks early. So bring along pumps and medications just in case.

Some parents complain that their child is hyperactive. While only a doctor can provide this diagnosis, many toddlers simply do not get enough opportunities for vigorous play. No wonder they seem fidgety. Neighborhood nutritionists think that many little ones suffer only from a deficiency of trips to the park. Most Highbridge apartments are too small to double as a gyumboree.

Parents need park time, too. Meeting with other neighborhood parents is one great way to find about toddler programs, parenting tips, local news, and just plain adult conversation.

Take advantage of the sprinklers and jungle gyms this summer. If it is going to be hot, go early in the mornings when it is cooler. Your kids will be happy, and so will you.