Most people are aware that today our young kids are becoming more overweight and unhealthy. But just knowing that is no good on its own, what’s needed is actual help. With backing from former world number one golfer Annika Sorenstam, an organisation called ‘The First Tee’ is addressing that problem by showing families and young kids the many benefits of playing golf.
Backed by the PGA of America, the non profit golfing organisation The First Tee is currently promoting their exciting new programme called Nine Healthy Habits, a programme divided into three parts, Physical, Emotional and Social.
To see more about Nine Healthy Habits and the benefits of playing golf, visit The First Tee Website, but following is a breakdown on the subjects covered.
Healthy Physical Habits for Kids
- Energy – it’s important to understand how we get energy through food and drink, how we burn the calories off and importantly how much we need to eat.
- Play – the importance of physical activity and how to make exercise fun. Playing a round of golf can burn up to 800 calories.
- Safety – the need to warm up the body and the mind, before taking on any skill including golf. The importance of sleep and making sure the body has time to recover, and the need for sensible precautions when playing outside including the need for protection from the sun
Healthy Emotional Habits for Kids
- Vision – to learn from one’s experiences we need to analyse past mistakes, keep calm in the present and have a plan for the future.
- Mind – a healthy body helps maintain a healthy mind.
- Family – good communication with all the family is very important to build foundations for the future. Tips for the whole family to eat together, play together and to become healthier overall.
Healthy Social Habits for Kids
- Friends – the importance of making good friends with like minded people. The importance of controlling time spent on social media websites.
- School – why school is important and how to make the most out of education. Basically, learn to have fun at school to have a better life.
- Community – the health of the community is just as important as the health of one’s body. Where we live has a big impact on how we live. How to help the local community to become a safer and a happier place to live in.
The First Tee and Annika Sorenstam
Any organisation will benefit when famous people support the cause and the First Tee is delighted to have Annika Sorenstam fully back the Nine Healthy Habit programme.
The former world number one golfer now spends much of her time closely involved with the First Tee and her own organisation, The Annika Foundation. The two organisations are determined to promote the benefits of golf to young kids.
The Annika Foundation teaches children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offers aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams.
See also: Golf and Sport for Overweight Kids and Do Our Kids Know What Hard Work Is?
John Hoskison - John is a class 'A' member of the British PGA and author of the acclaimed book 'Inside - One Man's Experience of Prison'.
