TimeOut Dubai Kids – June 2019

56 June 2019 Time Out UAE Kids

Health &

Wellbeing

Splashing

Splish and splosh goes little one – read these tips

before you sign your kids up for swimming classes

T

hey always say swimming is one of the

most important sports to learn while one

is young, very young. The earlier they

perfect those strokes, the better the chances

of kids mastering the skills required to jump

into the deeper ends.

Among the benefits of swimming, especially

for little ones living in a hotter climate like that

of the UAE, is the fact that it may not always

feel like too much work. As the cool water

splashes across kids’ faces, they become

immersed in the joy of practising their butterfly

or freestyle, all while developing physically and

mentally as well.

“Kids in the UAE are becoming increasingly

addicted to social media, video streaming

websites and digital gaming. Their exposure to

more screens is impacting their health,” says

Dr Deepu Abraham, consultant neonatology

and paediatrician at Zulekha Hospital, Dubai.

“A recent Canadian study found a

significant link between higher levels of screen

time at ages 24 and 36 months to poorer

performance on developmental screening

tests at 36 months,” he adds.

The contribution of the same towards

rising childhood obesity can’t be ignored.

It’s becoming more important than ever to

actively engage kids in more exciting, healthier

alternatives such as swimming.

“Swimming and water activities are always

fun for kids. Aside from that, they have several

health advantages. It’s the one exercise that

actively involves most muscle groups in the

body, helping increase lungs’ vital capacity

and improving circulation,” says Dr Abraham.

For mums with picky eaters, you’ll also be

happy to know that metabolism tends to spike

during and after the sport, which in turn will

help increase their appetite.

“The endorphins released during swimming

are considered stress relievers, significantly

affecting mood,” says Dr Abraham.

“Swimming will also help them develop a

good, refreshing sleep pattern. Being a low-

impact sport, the risk of injury is significantly

lower compared to any other activity.

One must also not discount the valuable

experience a child gains in water, protecting

them in cases of any accidental falls into

unguarded water bodies,” he adds.

While researchers have found many

benefits to swimming, parents still need to

consult a paediatrician. “There are medical

conditions such as having a perforated

eardrum, in which case we wouldn’t

recommend swimming,“ says Dr Abraham.

“Remember, however, that no other sport

comes with as many balanced health benefits

that a good an hour in a great pool can bring.”

babies

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