Let’s discuss…
This week, a large study revealed that the majority of teenagers are not hitting recommended activity levels (here’s the U.S. News & World Report article)…
Last week, pediatricians suggested Statin drugs for kids as young as 8. This is not looking good for our young generation…
What do you think: What are the factors in all this? Who’s responsible? What are some solutions? (Just click on “comment” below and share your thoughts!)
Peace in, Breathe out…
Aimee
I think the Statins for kids is crazy. It seems like we’re covering the real issue at hand by loading them up with drugs. Parents need to be more involved with these kids. More exercise, more activity.
I’d like to know what the stats are for adults hitting the recommended activity levels. Kids are just copying their parents
I think the parents are responsible. hands down.
well put, Jackie. Parents need to demonstrate the behavior.
good question, matt. Aimee do you know what the stats are for adults hitting activity levels?
Seriously…I like how adolescent brain developement is rarely named in these studies. Young people’s brains are not fully developed until they are in there mid to late 20′s. That explains a lot now doesn’t it. We should totally cut young people some slack. There is a chemical in their brain that manages their circadian rythem…it’s called Melatonin. Around puberty their Melatonin levels begin to change which totally screws with their sleep patterns. While this is happening they are expected to start school at earlier hours and function for long periods of time during the day. Maybe there are environmental changes that are messing with the Melatonin levels in their brains which is causing them to be less active.
I’m all about personal responsibility of the parents…but I’m also willing to invest some brain power into learning more about teen brain development and not just blame everything on “those lazy” teens.
Kathy, thanks for bringing this perspective. You’re right, the study made no mention of brain development and the potentially unreasonable expectations we are holding for adolescents. How do you feel then about the statin response from pediatricians? Do you feel we should be looking more towards brain develop. and environmental changes to benefit adolescent health?
Good point Kathy. I never thought about this. I guess it’s just easier to come down on the kids. I know Minnesota was putting some high schools back to later start times.