Sheila G. Kelley

Childhood obesity is at the front of health issues. Schools are eliminating physical education programs due to budget cuts. Both parents are usually working and cannot involve kids in playing activities after school. A 4-H animal project may offer the solution: farm chores.

In an article by Hannah Wolfson, routine chores, such as caring for an animal, offer regular exercise and teach responsibility and other skills. All ages of youth can help with chores. Young children can take charge of feeding, watering and cleaning up after chickens and rabbits. They can also help older siblings or parents with the larger animal chores.

Helping out just 30 minutes before and after school can meet the Center for Disease Control’s recommendation that children get an hour of physical activity most days. Wolfson was quoted as saying that loading and stacking 40-pound bales of hay provide as effective a workout as any gym can offer.

Scooping and cleaning up after animals is a great workout for the upper body muscles. Exercising their animal not only works the child’s leg muscles but strengthens the overall cardiovascular system. Breaking ice and carrying water and carrying bags of feed works the upper body and arms.

Another heath benefit of doing chores for 4-H animals is the release of stress many youth are faced with today. Interacting with their animal helps them reduce their stress levels and burn off extra energy that may make it hard for them to sleep at night.

Encourage your child to participate in a 4-H animal project and utilize the necessary chores as exercise and while they learn responsibility and life skills.

If your child is interested in joining 4-H or you would like further information on becoming a volunteer leader, please contact either Elbert County Extension office at 303-621-3162 or 719-541-2361. 4-H is a cooperative effort between CSU Extension and Elbert County.