Go Play Outside!

The American Academy of Pediatrics has finally doubled its recommended daily intake of vitamin D for children and adolescents from 200 IU to 400 IU. The reason given is the raising occurrence of rickets (bone softening) in toddlers as well as the evidence that vitamin D plays a vital role in prevention of so many diseases including diabetes, cancer and high blood-pressure. Infants that are breast-fed are at the biggest risk, since breast milk does not contain enough of this important vitamin (but remember that breast-feeding it is still the best for babies).

Why are our children suffering from rickets, disease thought to be almost non-existent in the United States and Canada? The obvious reason is limited time that children spend outdoors playing in the sun. Even those children that actually get outside are usually covered in sunscreen that blocks ultraviolet rays that cause the skin to produce natural vitamin D.

It is crucial that we all get some vitamin D after a long winter, when so many people, young and old, become deficient. Spring sports are a great way to get moving and to get a new dose of this super nutrient. Many summer leagues start their registration just about now so investigate and sign-up for sports that interest you and your kids. Tennis, beach volleyball, T-ball, ultimate frisbee, baseball and soccer are all great ways to get active outdoors.

It is also important for all kids to take swimming lessons, since learning to swim and about water safety is extremely important for the summer spent camping or at the camp. Swimming lessons can start from babies (3 month-old) on. Babies learn how to swim easily and by the age of four or five they become quite proficient swimmers. Babies and young toddlers are usually quite happy to be in the water, as this is their natural environment they still remember from the womb. But remember, all children in the water have to be SUPERVISED!

So get ready for the next season of camping and hiking and get outside!