The Hidden Benefits Of Playground For Children by:Jasper Conan

Playgrounds have always been a wonderful place where children virtually forget about themselves and relish every moment in the seventh heaven

. In addition to providing a means for children to enjoy themselves, playgrounds also serve to enable the development of certain skills which include motor skills and social skills. Even more astounding is the fact that playgrounds prove to be able to combat obesity among children!

Many recreational activities in the playground help to develop coordination skills in children. Examples of these activities include running, popping bubbles, playing balls and others. With such movements as swinging, crawling, climbing, sliding, jumping, pulling and balancing, children can enhance their motor skills gradually. Development of social skills is also possible. For instance, a child playing see-saw with another child will interact among themselves.

Playgrounds can also help to overcome obesity as evidenced by several studies. One study conducted by RAND Corporation indicates that playground and other athletic activities that are easily accessible to children do indeed play a role in preventing childhood obesity. Nevertheless, many schools (particularly those in poor neighborhood) do not render such facilities accessible to children during weekends. The outcome of the study shows that there is a correlation between the number of athletic activities that are locked and the number of children with high Body Mass Index (BMI).

CNN medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta also cites a study suggesting such correlation. The study shows that children that live in neighborhoods with more "green space" where playing in the park is the norm gain 13% less weight over a two-year period than children who live in places where there are fewer trees (thus have lesser parks that encourage physical activities).

About the author

I write on health, particularly on aspects concerning childhood obesity.

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