Exercise on Zedbugs is fun
How Zedbugs support the Healthy Schools Initiative

Reuters recently reported that childhood obesity rates are expected to soar dramatically in most parts of the world by the end of the decade. By 2010 the number of overweight and obese youngsters in the European Union nations is expected to hit 26 million. An estimated 20,000 obese youngsters will have type 2 diabetes, a previously adult disease. Changes in diet, a decrease in physical activity and too much time spent in front of computer or television screens have been blamed for the growing number of overweight children worldwide.

Following a recent project to encourage children to be more aware of the benefits of exercise, Linda Bartholomew and Cathy Kennedy ( Nursery World 10 August 2006) observed that regular exercise has such positive effects as:
• Prevention of obesity and heart disease
• Increased mental flexibility, concentration, alertness and intellectual capacity
• Increased self-confidence and esteem
• Development of social skills in everyday activities
• Promotion of motor skills.

Finally the authors note that “It is important to encourage enthusiasm for exercise. If physical play can be built into a child’s everyday life, it is more likely to continue into adult life”. The Zedbug encourages children to exercise safely through stimulating play and to get into that vital ‘activity habit’, and thus supporting the government’s Healthy Schools Initiative.

With the Zedbug they can get all the exercise they need at their own pace and have fun doing it!