When to give a child their first “connected device” — aka a smartphone or any gadget that connects to the internet — has become one of the biggest decisions any parent will make. Even if it’s a gaming console, e-reader or smartwatch, parents are aware that all of these devices are capable of connecting their child to a world of people and information at all times. Any misstep might end with information about your child...
The coronavirus has meant that we are spending more time at home than we ever have. Children are doing their school lessons from home. Parents are doing their jobs from home. It’s crowded, it’s overwhelming and it’s exhausting. No wonder screen time rules have gone out the window. The World Health Organization states that screen time for children aged between two and five should not exceed 60 minutes a day. Those under two should not...
Proper nutrition and physical activity are the foundation to a healthy body. But that’s a hard formula to teach our young ones. Junk food is everywhere and resisting temptation is difficult, especially for children. Whether it’s a celebration or a simple night at home, cakes, cupcakes, pizza and sodas seem to be a regular part of the fun. As a physical education teacher and a health promoter I see my students come to class in...
HOW SWEET IT ISN’T: On December 1, the UAE government enacted its first-ever tax on sugary drinks. And on January 1, many people will vow once again to change their eating habits for good. That’s why livehealthy.ae is taking a closer look at scientific and anecdotal evidence telling us that the sugar we love to eat is hurting our health. In my work as a physical education teacher and health promoter, I see two of...
As a physical education teacher, I see every day that children are eating food that is bad for them. They are eating too much processed food, including sodas, sweets, fast food and other junk foods. All are packed with unhealthy ingredients. But why are they eating this stuff? Well, bad food is big business. Billions of dollars are made each year by junk food manufacturers. Food that is sweet and fast and cheaper to make,...
There is a serious health crisis in the UAE – an epidemic of overweight and obese children. Unless we take action now, there will be grave consequences for all of us. Life today is not how it used to be. Mornings used to start slowly with a good, nutritious breakfast eaten with the family. You walked to school, ate a balanced lunch and exercised in gym class and after school. Dinner was a home-cooked meal that...
