Parents! Raise a Healthy Human: Embracing Physical Activity in a Technologically Advanced World

As we navigate the age of AI and smart technology, it's crucial to recognize the impact these advancements have on our lives. While our minds adapt to these innovations, our bodies pay the price. Let's explore how technological progress affects our health and what we can do to ensure our children grow up healthy and strong.

The Technological Age: A Double-Edged Sword

Today, we live in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking a new era of smart technology. Just as the introduction of mobile phones 20-30 years ago revolutionized our lives, AI is now reshaping our world. We can't imagine living without these technological advancements—they've become integral to how we function daily.

However, as we adapt to these smart technologies, our brains and bodies suffer. For instance, the widespread use of smartphones has diminished our ability to remember and recall information. Our brains, once adept at storing data and dates, now rely heavily on AI-enabled devices, reducing our creative and logical faculties.

When Machines Entered Our Homes

Let's travel back to when machines first entered our households, particularly in Indian homes. In the early nineties, washing machines, mixer grinders, vacuum cleaners, and dishwashers were rare luxuries. Household chores required manual labor, meaning daily physical activity was a norm.

People walked more, sweated more, and their bodies performed basic functions—working, sweating, getting tired, feeding, sleeping, and recovering. Today, these activities are minimized due to technological conveniences, resulting in a significant cost to our physical health.

The Pre-Millennial Generation: A Functional Past

Our older generation, now senior citizens, led more physically active lives before the era of household machines. Despite the advent of technology, they still face lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The next generation, born during the rise of technology, had an active childhood but an increasingly inactive youth and adulthood. Consequently, we now see young adults in their 30s and 40s suffering from lifestyle diseases.

The Hardships of Gen Z

This article focuses on the generation born in the last 20 years. They face unique challenges due to their parents' emphasis on academic success and job security, often at the expense of physical health. Parents need to understand that the world has changed drastically, and the future won't require the skills they are currently prioritizing at the cost of their children's health.

Understanding the Science of the Body

Some parents bring their 15-year-olds to my gym, not for fitness, but as a summer activity. They wait for board exam results and then push their children back into rigorous academic routines, neglecting physical activity. The good news is that physical activity can be integrated into their lives without compromising academics. Just one hour of exercise boosts endorphins, enhancing focus and a sense of achievement.

For Boys: Boys hit puberty around 13-14, experiencing changes driven by testosterone. Without physical activity, their testosterone levels may be low, impacting their development. From ages 13 to 20, focusing solely on academics without physical exercise leads to a weak body, susceptible to diseases. Parents must allow time for physical activity to ensure their sons grow into healthy, confident men.

For Girls: Girls face issues like PCOD and PCOS, linked to hormonal imbalances. Physical activity helps regulate estrogen levels, crucial for female health. Research shows girls handle stress better than boys, thanks to hormones like cortisol and oxytocin. Encouraging girls to engage in physical activities strengthens their bodies, preparing them for future challenges.

Conclusion: Embrace Physical Activity

The future will offer less physical labor, with AI delivering everything to our couch. Despite our minds adapting to this, our bodies haven't. Physical labor is essential for our well-being. Encourage your children to engage in physical activities—playing, lifting weights, gardening, or cleaning. This will not only fulfill their dreams but also ensure they have the physical strength to achieve them.