SUNDAY, Dec. 10, 2006 (HealthDay News) -- This Christmas, experts are advising that Santa skip the video games and bring kids toys that exercise more than just their thumbs.
"With obesity on the rise across the country, toys that get kids moving are some of the best gifts you can give," University of Indianapolis physical therapy professor Anne Mejia Downs said in a prepared statement. "Regular exercise can improve concentration, decrease anxiety, prevent and treat depression, and even help kids sleep better."
Downs offered a list of toys and games that encourage kids to be active. Many of the items she recommended can be played indoors.
"Kids can play them after school if they're home alone and can't leave the house, and they're also great for bad weather days," she said.
The games and toys recommended by Downs include:
And a pedometer makes a great stocking stuffer for both kids and adults, Downs said.
"You can first use it to see how many steps you take in an average day (which is usually less than people think), and it can help you to increase the number of steps per day," she said.
Good athletic shoes or a sporting goods store gift certificate are other examples of presents that encourage physical activity.
More information
The American Heart Association has more about exercise and children.