Getting your couchasarus to move!
The world's largest dinosaur, with an 8-foot-long thighbone, was unearthed in Argentina this year. The vegetarian giant, dubbed Titanosaur, seems to have kept its 70-ton skeleton healthy by roaming the pampas feasting on nutrient-rich vegetation.
Fast-forward to 2016: Millions of vegetable-avoiding, youthful, 60- to 125-pound Couchasauruses are glued to digital screens and TVs as their young skeletons fail to build the bone they'll need to carry them through their next six or more decades.
Humans reach peak bone mass around age 20, and the years up to then are when youngsters need to be building and strengthening their skeletons with exercise and solid nutrition. Otherwise, both boys and girls may develop osteoporosis by the age of 70 (or earlier) and risk life-shortening bone breaks.
According to a study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, boys and girls ages 5 to 20 who consistently watch 14 or more hours of TV a week have lower bone mineral content than less frequent watchers, no matter what their level of physical activity, calcium intake or aging habits like smoking and (underage or legal) drinking. So lure your kids away from digital screens!
To achieve strong bones, a healthy weight and a great cardiovascular system and maximize brain-power, they need 60-120 minutes of moderate aerobic activity daily and vigorous aerobics three days a week (suggest 20 hip-bone-protecting jump-ups morning and night). And get them walking the dog, raking the yard, playing a school or recreational sport or swimming at the pool or lake.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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