CONNECTIONS to HEALTH

School's Out For Summer! It's time to get playing. We all know (or hopefully can remember) how good it is to be able to go outside and play a game of tennis, cricket, go for a swing in the park or even sit outside and play a game of cards. It has been shown by numerous researchers, scientists and educationalists, and the like, the importance to the development of our children (this includes the child within everyone) of play, especially free-play. The benefit is not the normal improving physical strength, co-ordination, physical and mental agility, dexterity but their sense of well being. Our children are becoming more stressed and anxious with the speed and structure of our 21st Century lifestyles. Read such articles as 'Lack of outdoor play is a time bomb for children', from an international conference in Bristol 15/08/2006, see www.news-medical.net/news/2006/08/15/19450.aspx, and 'The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Childhood Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds', the American Academy of Pediatrics, Volume 119, Number 1 January 2007, www.aap.org/pressroom/playFINAL.pdf. Play and brain development. Play and movement have been shown to be essential to healthy brain development and we could even say that movement is an essential nutrient for the brain. Through the movement of the spine the brain becomes charged with energy and the creative, balance, learning centres of the brain are switched on, whereas sitting for too long (more than 3 hours in a day) leads to sluggishness and the stress centres of the brain can be stimulated leading to anxiety and even depression. So if you are feeling stressed and need a re-charge get out and move. Free play. For children it is so essential they have time for exercise and not just organised but some time for free play. These free play times give them the opportunity to expand their imagination, interact with the world around them, conquer fears, build confidence, work in groups, helps with decision making. This kind of play is unstructured, child driven play and doesn't include playing with electronic games or organised team games. Keep in mind that just because free play isn't controlled by adults doesn't mean they shouldn't be supervised while they are playing, especially if they are playing outside Local Resources We are very lucky to live in an area where there are loads of activities we and our children can do. Within Stone there are several parks, Stonefield includes tennis courts, Westbridge includes tennis courts and football pitches (there are 2 parks here), and the surrounding towns and villages all have some public play area. Some parks are having rangers available during the holidays for free activities. We have immediate access to some wonderful countryside for walks and bike rides. There are leisure centres in Stone and Stafford with lots on for the summer, Alleynes swimming pool may be open during the August holidays. Over the summer holidays there are so many activities available, some free, most cost a reasonable fee and include such things as, canoeing, football, tennis, athletics, they are usually divided into different age groups. For more information got to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/leisure and download their brochure 'Get Out' or give them a call on 01785 619607. Take your child on a cycling course or organised cycle ride with Cycle for health (9yrs+, accompanied by an adult); these are for lapsed and hesitant riders, www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd If you want to go further afield in the Staffordshire area there are plenty of ideas on line and a good site with plenty of free ideas is www.askamum.co.uk check out the family activities and days out. Sharing pleasures There is nothing like getting out, away from the chores of home, and sharing the simple pleasures of life with children.

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