Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) – The Mountain State ranks last when it comes to childhood obesity.
While policies enacted by the state support health, soaring numbers tell a different story.
Being more physically active can counteract obesity and poor health outcomes. We want to get kids moving, and that means they should have 60 minutes of daily vigorous physical activity.
“Very concerning because obesity at a young age can lead to chronic diseases later in life,” said Active SWV Executive Director Melanie Seiler. “It’s going to decrease that quality of life, make it a lot harder and more expensive. So we want to bring about resources and help people understand what they can do on a simple day-to-day basis that can help make their lives a lot more enjoyable, and they can feel a lot better.”
Parents and adults can be good role models to a child, demonstrating how easy it is to go for a hike, walk, or bike ride, and get involved in nearby activities. It’s more beneficial than being glued to one’s mobile phone or video game.
“I play in my playground that I have at home, and run around with my cats,” Cool Ridge Resident River Johnson said. “I think it’s very important.”
It doesn’t have to be that complicated.
“Especially in the summer, because when school is going on, the kids have access to recess and playgrounds. But our kids may not have a playground in their yard and access to any place to play,” said Beckley Resident Goldie L. Arline. “I think it’s horrible. And I’m sorry we don’t have access, or all kids don’t have access to something to do to stay active over the summer.”
Getting started can be daunting; kids are inundated with a myriad of images of people doing aggressive and high-adventure activities that surround us in this area.
“We want to break it down into how you can be more active in the places you are already. What does it look like in the school day, right after school, around your work day?” Seiler said. “Summertime is coming up; if you’re going to a summer cookout, what can you also incorporate (in terms of) physical activity for everyone involved. It’s not just, ‘where can I take my kids and drop them off. It’s, ‘how can I be active with them and demonstrate that active lifestyle.'”
Some people regularly walk, and West Virginia has the Mountaineer Mile..
“But once school’s out and kids are kind of left on their own, with the iPads and TV, it’s easy to just sit home and not get outside and be active,” said Arline.
Nine-year-old Johnson plans to continue moving.
“I think I will, because that way, when I get older, I’ll have a better body,” she said.
Active SWV is excited to help facilitate volunteers to lead local athletic programs, the heart and soul of what they do.
“It might be disc golf or pickleball. We have youth climbing and stand-up paddleboarding. There’s a wide range of activities happening on an ongoing basis,” said Seiler. “So that’s where we come in with race events for families and free entry for children into race events. And we host elementary school-run clubs. We’re constantly producing free programming all in small communities.”
