Parents – turn off those screens and get running with your kids

Some children are born sporty, some achieve a certain level of begrudging sportiness, others have it thrust upon them, often with accompanying bribery and/or threats. Some are so reluctant it seems almost cruel, but the statistics are stark. Almost a fifth of four to five-year-olds – and a third of 10 to 11-year-olds – are overweight or obese. Even toddlers get far less physical activity than they should.
As parents, we all know they should do more. But how to encourage those whose idea of a good time is nestling on the sofa with Frozen for the 351st time? Indeed, how to not merely encourage but to instil a genuine love of activity?
For my sofa-inclined six-year-old, it’s a delicate balancing act. Her natural inclination is always to say no to new things – and while I don’t ever want to force her, there are activities I know she will love if she would just give them a chance. Her school just started a yoga club – cue the usual hesitance to sign up – two weeks later her favourite activity is competitive downward dogs with her little sister.
I’ll admit that my encouragement/reward system also revolves rather heavily around ice-cream, but then, isn’t that half the reason I exercise myself, so I can indulge afterwards?
Young children are natural sprinters – short bursts of frenetic activity, followed by claims of exhaustion and the need for a smoothie, only to be sprinting off again a second later. So the best activities are those that capitalise on this. My own daughter tends to moan her way around the first lap of our local junior parkrun, proclaiming sudden hideous injuries (“I think I broke my ankle! I might need a plaster!”) and exhaustion. The second lap she perks up, and the final 100m or so she is off: “Time for top speed now Mummy, remember I beat you last week!” Seconds later she’s putting on an even more impressive sprint to the cafe with her friend for the post-run ice-cream.
So make activity sociable, and remember that your own definition of exercise is not theirs – hanging upside down from the climbing frame is a totally legitimate sport, honest. And, of course, set an example. Get off the sofa yourself – don’t blame me if no one buys you ice cream after.
Parkrun may just have celebrated its tenth birthday but it already has an offspring. Junior parkruns are springing up around the country – 2km free timed runs, mostly in local parks, staffed by enthusiastic volunteers, for 4 to 14-year-olds. If there isn’t one near you, consider starting your own. Go Run for Fun are also setting up nationwide events to get young children running.
Like the adult version, junior parkrun gives you an official time from a scanned barcode when you finish, delivered by email later that day. I don’t show my daughter these times – she’s never asked, doesn’t seem bothered, yet might just find it discouraging that she didn’t beat her best time. She doesn’t know what a PB is yet – plenty of time for that later.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

    Phil had been teaching tennis to young people for 20 years. Last year, when he started experiencing discomfort in his hands and wrists, a parent of one of his students suggested it could be carpal tunnel syndrome.
    Phil had his doubts. He led a very active life. The only injuries he treated had to do with his elbow and legs. "Isn't that something people get from typing and working on computers all day?"
    The short answer is "no."
    What is it?
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    The carpal tunnel — literally a tunnel of ligament and bones at the base of the hand — encloses the median nerve and tendons, which provide sensation to the hand and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when that tunnel collapses and the median nerve becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist (see the National Institute of Health for more information). This can cause a lot of pain for individuals.
    "It's like getting in an elevator," described Dr. M. Shane Frazier, Orthopedic Surgeon for Central Utah Clinic. "Everything is fine unless a couple of things happen. If the tendons start to swell (or everyone on the elevator gains 100 pounds), then the space seems cramped. Tendons and the area around the nerve become inflamed and swollen."
    What is the cause of this inflammation?
    "Carpal tunnel has something to do with use," concluded Dr. Frazier. "The biggest myth is that people get it who are on a computer a lot. That used to be the predominant way of thinking. It's not anymore."
    Dr. Frazier explained that while in many cases the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome remains unknown, a common cause involves repetitive and forceful actions like gripping, grasping and heavy lifting. People who use heavy vibratory machines like jackhammers or heavy machinery and who perform heavy manual labor, assembly line work, sewing or manufacturing are more likely to experience carpal tunnel syndrome.
    Frazier states that while it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, it does occur more often in women. According to an article published by the National Institute of Health, carpal tunnel occurs three times more often in women than men; affecting the dominant hand first and produces the most severe pain.
    How does it feel?
    How do you know if you have carpal tunnel syndrome?
    Many patients report experiencing numbness and an uncomfortable tingling feeling in hands and arms. Patients may also experience weakness in their hands and a reduced level of dexterity. Some patients reported dropping items due to an inability to grasp. But the only definitive way to determine whether or not carpal tunnel syndrome is present is to see your doctor.
    Although rare, cases of carpal tunnel syndrome have surfaced in children. The cause is often due to excessive video gaming, typing or playing a musical instrument.
    To verify whether a patient has carpal tunnel, Dr. Frazier uses an electromyogram (EMG), where tiny acupuncture needles are inserted in the patient's skin to stimulate nerves and muscles.
    "Through a machine, they can tell us how fast an impulse is going from point A to point B, and they can tell us a nerve is being compressed, how badly it's being compressed, and where," explained Dr. Frazier.
    Is there a treatment?
    Once carpal tunnel is diagnosed, it can be treated and cured.
    "There is a cure for carpal tunnel syndrome," said Dr. Frazier. "Sometimes nighttime bracing and steroids can cure it. Often activity modification, lifestyle changes, and routines can cure it. As a last resort, surgery will cure it. Treatment largely depends on the severity of the case."
    You don't have to suffer through the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether you are a mechanic, fish packer, a clerk, or a candy maker, there is a treatment plan available to help you gain relief and comfort.