Swimming Helps In Childhood Obesity Prevention

It is common knowledge that childhood obesity is a major issue in today’s society.  The statistics of childhood obesity is staggering and a bit scary, as so many of our children are suffering from childhood obesity. Obesity can lead to other, more serious disorders that could have easily been avoided with a healthy diet and consistent activity. These disorders can include high cholesterol and diabetes, diseases which are typically not a concern until well into adulthood. With the many concerns that parents face in relation to their children, childhood obesity should not have to be one of them. That is why it is important for parents to understand ways they can combat childhood obesity. One of those ways is through activity, and what better activity for children to participate in than swimming?!  Allowing your child to participate in private swimming lessons in order to learn the proper way to swim has a wide range of benefits that can help your child stay active and avoid obesity.  Not to mention, children love swimming! It is a fun activity that doesn’t feel like exercise at all!  Here are some ways that swimming can fight obesity. 

Movement

Movement is a key factor in preventing childhood obesity.  Swimming is a great way to implement movement into your child’s life.  Swimming is a sport and activity that any child can participate in and be successful at.  All children can learn to swim, as they do not need to be athletic to do so.  Private swimming lessons can teach your child different swimming strokes and allow them to swim laps for exercise, play games in the pool, etc.  Even playing games in the pool is promoting movement and physical fitness!  Swimming also promotes flexibility and cardiovascular health, which can lead to additional benefits. It is also an activity that is easier on the joints that other sports.

Other Health Benefits

As mentioned above, swimming is also a great way to promote cardiovascular health, which helps to strengthen the heart and lungs.  And a strong cardiovascular system lessons the risk of childhood obesity. Swimming also strengthens muscles and improves balance and posture. The resistance of the water as the arms and limbs move throughout the pool provides muscle building conditioning.  

It is easy to see how swimming can benefit the overall health of your child.  The sport of swimming is often overlooked as being a sport that can do so much for the health of the human body. However, with the proper technique learned through private swimming lessons, your child can both enjoy their time in the water and increase their overall health. There is also the added benefit of being assured that your child is safe in the pool due to their being properly trained.  When searching for private swimming lessons for your child, it is important to keep in mind that the instructor should be certified in the Red Cross swimming levels in order for your child to learn the proper technique.  Zodiac Swim School offers a variety of swimming instructors that are Red Cross certified and can teach your child properly and safely.

Throwback Thursday: 25 Differences at Camp From 1969

Throwback Thursday is always fun. This is a day when one can look back on how things were years ago. When it comes to summer camp, activities and entertainment were quite different than today’s summer camp. Check out these 25 differences from camp back in 1969 as compared to today. 

1. Outdoor Activities—kids still participate in outdoor activities today but in a much different way. Gone are the days when kids learned weaponry or built bonfires like in 1969.

2. Clothing—in 1969, clothing was far different than kid’s Summer Camp today. Children wore uniforms, with matching shirts and shorts back in the day. 

3. Food—food is quite different today. In the 60s, campers were used to simple foods like hot dogs and hamburgers while today’s camps serve healthier meals. 

4. Music—the music was far different in the 1960s than today, which campers enjoyed during activities. 

5. Counselors—in the past, counselors would be older while today’s camps employ younger, and sometimes former campers. 

6. Sleeping quarters—where you sleep today is much more comfy than single bunks with worn out mattresses from the 60s or even just sleeping bags! 

7. Time frame—camp used to last at least one to two weeks. Now day camps for kids last just one day. 

8. Activities—children today can enjoy more options for activities including drama and the arts. 

Contact with parents—kids today can stay in contact with parents much easier by using email or texting. 

9. Making friends—children have the ability to make friends today better than in the golden years as more campers are now attending kid’s summer camp.

10. Staying in contact with campers—parents have the option to stay in touch with campers more than in the 60s. Back then only a telephone could have been used while today’s campers can use mobile phones, laptops and more. 

11. Style of camp—camps today are more luxurious offering indoor plumbing and comfy beds. 

12. Items from home—the types of items children bring from home are far different than what was brought in the 60s, including electronics. 

13. Care packages—parents do not send care packages to camp like they did in the 60s with additional food or comfort items.

14. Getting into trouble—kids played more harmless pranks at camp back in the 60s, having more fun with each other. 

15. Parent day—parent day was a big deal in the 60s, when children would dress up and perform shows as parents came to see what camp has been like.

16. Segregation—camps today are not segregated by male and female as they once were. 

17. Cost—the cost of camp can be much higher today than in the 1960s depending on the type. 

18. Achievements—children have more opportunity to earn achievements than years ago. 

19. Returning Campers—returning campers are not that big of a deal today as they once were. Campers just enjoy their time at camp today when in the past they were welcomed with much fanfare. 

20. Dances—camps in the 1960s would host dances between boy and girl camping areas. 

21. Technology—technology has advanced amazingly since the 1960s for campers.

22. Camp Location—campers attend camp further distances from home than in the 1960s.

23. Facilities—the facilities are much more updated and modern than in years gone by. 

Overall experience—the overall camp experience is much different than what was enjoyed in the 1960s.

Some things may have been different over 45 years ago but much remains the same at Summer Day Camps. Enjoying the outdoors with new friends, learning new skills, improving old skills the list goes on and on. Why not experience camp life for your children and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Rules to Follow When Swimming For your Health And Safety

Be it a swimming pool or open water, you will always find instructions in place with rules and safety tips. If you wonder why, then this article will help you understand these rules that are meant for children’s health and safety when swimming. You certainly do not want them to become hurt due to the lack of knowledge, only to know how it could have been prevented by following a simple guideline.

Here are 14 Rules That Should Be Followed For Health And Safety When Swimming

1. Always read the safety instructions, if you and your kids are going to a swimming pool. Follow the pool rules.
2. Always wear proper swimming gear whether your child is in a public pool or taking private swimming lessons. Swim suit fabric is specially designed for swimming and swim caps are available to protect hair. Since, swimming pools have certain level of chemicals in water, not wearing goggles may hurt the eyes and cause irritation.
3. Do not go into the pool with jewelry on. Ensure that you have removed your child’s jewelry like earrings, bracelets or necklaces.
4. Remind your child to listen to the directions of the lifeguard. They are there to help and have been trained just for this. Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty. Swimming lessons in Toronto have lifeguards on duty at all times for the safety of swimmers.
5. Since the ground around the pool is usually wet, it is advisable to be cautious while walking near it. Pay extra attention to your kids and don’t let them run, because they most likely will slip and fall into the pool.
6. Pools usually have ‘No diving’ signs, because the pool is not deep enough and they may sustain head injuries if not obeyed.  Always advise children of these areas explaining why diving is not allowed.
7. It is advisable to never swim alone. Always swim under supervision and this is a must in case of kids, because you never know what can go wrong. Even if your child is taking private swimming lessons, still maintain constant supervision.
8. Avoid swimming if your kids have flu or cold because they may infect others very easily or feel worse.
9. For adults, never swim under the influence of alcohol or medicine. Your weakened body will not have enough energy to swim and that increases the chances of drowning.
10. Do not swim during a thunderstorm because of the risk of getting hit by lightning.
11. Learning CPR and knowing basic first aid tips certainly helps in keeping your kids and friends safe. You never know when you or they may need it and there are situations where there isn’t enough time to wait for help. Swimming lessons like the ones offered by Zodiac Swim School provides first-aid safety and CPR courses which will prove useful in case of emergencies and reduce the response time.
12. Always take a quick shower and wash off all dirt before going into the pool. Nobody wants to swim in a dirty pool, hence keeping it clean for others makes sense.
13. No matter how much fun it may seem to fool around in water, never try stunts that are dangerous and may end very badly.
14. While taking private swimming lessons, ensure that your child is protected from the sun. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from direct sunlight as well as from the chemicals in the water.

Before you go swimming…check for safety instructions. Save yourself and your loved ones from a mishap. Find  swimming lessons in Toronto from reputable swim schools like Zodiac Swim School and be a pro. To learn more about Zodiac, check them out here.

The Artistic Side Why It's Important to Kids

Drawing, music, paintings and theater arts are some of the summer camp activities that may not be offered in schools. Some ‘modern schools' have shifted their attention more to teaching the core subjects and forgetting that kids also need to learn how to create visual aesthetics as part of their development. Due to this understanding, kids summer camps have come up with summer activities to help your child learn new things while interacting and having fun with others.

Listed are some reasons as to why you should encourage your kids to learn arts:  

•  Develop abilities useful in the future

Children who are engaged in art activities at a tender age have a higher probability of success later in life compared to those who are not. This is according to research carried out at Michigan University. The exposure to arts and all other summer camp activities enables kids to have a diverse mind. Later in life they become inventive, quickly learn to identify gaps in the market and startup companies or even grow their talents in drawing, singing or theater to hopefully become legends. Arts allow kids to become sharp in their thinking since much of what they make has to be well thought out in the first place.

• Allows children to make sense of the environment around them

The human brain is made up of two parts i.e. the left and right hemispheres. Psychologically, the two parts have different functions. The left part is used in logistics and analysis. This is the part of the brain that is used in class when learning Science, English, Maths and other subjects. The right side of the brain plays a crucial role in creative thinking. When a child is drawing, this is the part of the brain that enables him/her to see the picture even before putting it down on paper. It is the part that triggers one's thinking of what goes on in the environment; the physical, spiritual and moral aspects of life.

• Strengthen bonds between parents and children

The time you spend with your child apart from taking him/her to a kids summer camp is crucial. It may make a big difference in your child's life as the more time you spend with your child, the closer and dearer they become to you. You can learn more about them and therefore, help them solve their problems effectively.

• Better performance in academics

Children who engage in art activities outside class are more successful in learning than those who don't participate in such activities.Kids who are exposed to arts are more creative and imaginative. They are great thinkers and problem solvers and are more focused and determined to get things done so they perform very well in school.

• Arts help boost confidence

Performing arts help children develop confidence when talking with friends or even adults. In kids summer camps, children perform in plays, music and operas in front of an audience of their peers. With time, this helps to break the fear that is associated with a crowd.

In arts, it's all about acquiring skills that are vital for personality development. Zodiac Day Camps make sure that kids will be able to enhance their creativity and harness their artistic side throughout their summer day camp journey.

Summer Camp is a Rewarding Experience for Kids

Whenever I walk past cheerful kids playing, my mind goes back to ages ago when I was young. I can still remember the laughter, cheers and the wonderful experiences I had when I used to attend summer camps during school breaks.. I reminisce about the awesome swimming programs I attended and how I was able to overcome ‘pool phobia'. To date, I've never regretted having spent my time in summer camps; if anything I wish I could turn back time.  Summer camp is one of the most gratifying experiences you can give your child.

Here are some of the reasons your child will benefit from attending summer camps:

Build skills

With so many activities going on kids are challenged to step out of their comfort zones and seek to identify their talents. They are guided by well-trained and qualified personnel who offer guidance and motivation. Children at camp have a broad range of activities to choose from such as sports, swimming, adventure, science, rocketry, adventure, etc. Each day the campers are introduced to new skills that help to shape their future. For instance, the swimming programs for kids are well tailored to equip them with all the basics they require to become excellent swimmers in the future.

Impart confidence

It's frustrating that in our world today, many kids spend the best part of their holidays behind laptops and on games that only inhibits them from daily exercise and real life social interaction. At Day Camps children are exposed to real life challenges that help them confront their fears. In swimming programs, for example, the instructors are well aware that some kids are afraid of water and therefore assist them to deal with that fear before getting into the water. Climbing high heights, winning competitions and doing incredible things serve as a motivation and source of confidence for the kids.

Friendships

One of the best aspects of enrolling in a summer camp is creating bonds with people who may later be beneficial to your life. Campers come from different areas and therefore there is much to share amongst the group members. They also learn one or two things regarding certain people or things and become more exposed to the world.

Build character

Apart from having fun, the kids are taught values such as honesty, dignity, hard work, diligence, respect, and responsibility. All these benefits go on to building wholesome personality in these kids. The kids are also motivated to emulate those key figures in the society who have excelled in character.

Physical exercise

Campers are engaged in many outdoor activities that help them exercise. Some of these activities include hiking, jumping, sports and running. Also enrolling in swimming programs for kids not only gives a child a chance to have fun but also provides him/her time to do exercises which are vital to his/her health. The best part of it is that all this happens when they are having fun!

Zodiac Day camps are ready for Summer 2016 and apart from introducing new fun activities this year it has also continued to provide first class swimming programs at the Zodiac swim school. The swimming programs for kids offered here are the kind that your child will love to be part of. Enroll your child for summer 2016 at Zodiac Day camp and let him or her be part of an incredible experience and long lasting memories!

Swimming For Fitness: Living Healthy

When it comes to fitness, everyone tends to think of hitting the gym or doing yoga to maintain a healthy body. There are so many options out there and swimming is an excellent choice to keep fit by having fun. Swimming is an exercise which helps you shed weight really fast. It also boosts your metabolism and strengthens the muscles of your body. If you want a total body workout, go outside and dive into a pool.

Since people are becoming more and more health conscious every day, they will go to any level to make their body look and act healthy and perfect. The swimming clubs nowadays have a variety of  swimming programs to make it more convenient for people with their busy schedules to attend.

What are the some of the health benefits of swimming?  Why should you sign up for  different swimming programs? Here are some answers to those questions:

1.       Swimming is an excellent Core workout and helps to strengthen the muscles in your legs and the shoulders. When you are in the water, there is a  resistance which requires more force to move your body forward. As a result, this force works on all your muscles without really feeling the exhaustion from working out.

2.       Swimming is said to boost up the overall health of your heart. Swimming teaches breathing techniques  you have to learn to breathe deeply which will force your heart and lungs to take in more oxygen. Naturally this will strengthen the muscle of your heart.

3.       Swimming helps you to relax. This is one of the essential elements if you want to have a healthy body. You attain the same level of fitness as you can through workouts or weight training exercises. If you have overworked limbs or you are bored by sitting all day in your office chair, swimming can be a healthy break.

These are just a few reasons why swimming as an exercise is beneficial to your health. Doctors even prescribe swimming to people suffering from obesity, diabetes, and other ailments to put in their everyday routines.

There are many swimming programs out there, but the Red Cross Swim Levels is one of the most popular and all-inclusive programs. This is offered by the Red Cross Association spread over all continents. The objective of the Red Cross Swim Levels is to teach people how to be safe in the water with the obvious aim of promoting a fit body.

The Red Cross Swimming program is divided into various levels.

a.       In the first phase, students are introduced to water and how to enjoy floating freely and comfortably. They also learn to kick in the front and back under water along with some water safety rules.

b.      In the second phase, students learn the fundamental skills of swimming. They learn how to control their breath, how to step from the side in the chest-deep water and come out in a vertical position, back crawling arm action and much more.

c.       The third phrase deals with stroke readiness. It deals with tasks like retrieving objects, swimming underwater, safe diving rules, jumping into the water and wearing life jackets etc.

d.      In the next level, swimmers learn tactics like floating, deep water bobbing, the breaststroke, rhythmic breathing etc.

e.      The next level swimming programs focus on alternate breathing, front and back crawl, underwater swimming, racing dives, butterfly, front crawl with a flip turn, breaststroke with open and speed turn and many others.

These are the comprehensive swimming training provided by The Red Cross Swim Levels which not only shapes your body but teaches you everything about being safe in the water.

Zodiac swim school offers a variety of swimming programs that strictly abide to the Red Cross Swim Levels standards. For more information, click here.

Social Accomplishment in Children's Camps

It is common to find that most children nowadays are burned out from the overuse of gadgets and technology around them. They have endless amounts of information being crammed into their brains at any given moment. They are always studying and reading, both in school and at home. This provides them less time for social interaction and emotional development.

Day Camps for kids are always an invaluable experience and many parents know that camping offers many activities for self-growth.

There are several ways for the child to improve physically and mentally. When going to day camps, the child is able to appreciate the nature around him or her. Various experts of any field would say that giving time to being outside for a few hours every day provides numerous advantages for people of any age.

When children interact with the outdoors, they are always given a chance to appreciate the wonder of nature. Being outside means they will know the importance of the world around them. Being in different situations also allows them to think creatively, and this kind of knowledge can be brought into the classroom, where they will be able to show off their new skills.

Being away from the screen for a while also provides beneficial results for children. They are able to use energy on physical activity, and at the same time they are interacting with children their own age. Digital communication cannot completely replace social interaction. Most children nowadays are socially unsuccessful, due to the fact that they lack face-to-face interaction. Nonverbal cues and messages fly over their heads completely. When they go to day camps, they will be able to exercise these mental muscles and hopefully make a few good friends along the way.

Being active also means that they will lose weight and feel better about their bodies. They will also be more capable of performing physical tasks for the house and for school. They will be able to have the chance to play outside without any gadgets, so their full attention will be focused on feeling the air around them.

Children create growing social connections while they are at day camp. They report accomplishing several levels of emotional growth after their activities and they are able to communicate better with their peers.

At day camps children learn how to deal with people from all ages with the support of other campers their age. Camp also introduces them to teachers and counsellors who can provide valuable life lessons that they will carry with them as they continue to mature.

Having accomplishments also means that the child will be happier and less grumpy. This allows them to become a better friend and companion.

All these benefits don't stop the minute they leave camp. Children don't leave knowledge and abilities behind when they are done with learning. They will be able to take this information with them when they go through many different stages of life. They will keep the friends they have made at camp, and they will be able to know how to deal with new social situations.

You can check out an excellent option for Toronto day campshttp://www.zodiackids.ca/zodiac-kids-toronto-day-camp/summer-day-camps/ here:  http://www.zodiackids.ca/. Their website offers options of day camps for all ages. Try out their outdoor programs for your child.