Ireland has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the world. According to The European Childhood Obesity Group one in every four children in Ireland aged between five and 12 years is overweight or obese.
As well as the obvious social and physical problems such as low energy levels and difficulty moving and breathing, obesity is also a leading risk factor in the development of heart disease and cancer in later life. Further research shows an increasing number of children suffer from insomnia, headaches, bad posture, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD ) and aggression.
Children are leading far less active lives now than ever before with many children occupying their spare time by watching television, using the computer, or playing video games. Every year the number of gismos and gadgets that children hanker after increases, while the physical play hours decrease, This trend combined with the rise in unhealthy and high fat foods is a time bomb for Ireland’s future generation.
Parents and carers need to focus on getting their children active and energised as well as making sure they get their five-a-day. There are many physical activities that children can get involved in including yoga.
Yoga is a discipline that offers children numerous benefits such as strong, limber and healthy bodies, increased focus, and better concentration. It also cultivates self esteem, inspires success and helps them to relax and sleep better.
Yoga is a non-competitive activity that can be practised by everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, size, age, or gender.
Kilkenny School of Yoga has a yoga for children class starting Friday of next week at 3:35pm. This is one way to ensure your children are keeping active without breaking the bank; six classes are charged at just €40.
The classes are run by Essie Millie the proprietor of Kilkenny School of Yoga. Essie is a highly experienced and intuitive teacher. She will teach the children a number of poses that will promote strength and flexibility followed by relaxation and visualisation to help calm their minds and bodies, sending them home to you invigorated and focused.
Further information is available by calling Essie Millie on 056 7756570.
