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Many fear that our younger generation are being forced into a world of vedging out in front of the TV, spending hours playing computer games and indulging in what is perceived to be quite frankly a lazy lifestyle. Research into the growing rates of childhood obesity points towards such a lifestyle as one of the main triggering factors for this illness.

Campaigners are desperately trying to combat the ever growing statistics of obesity in children through a myriad of activities (http://www.feedmebetter.com ). Jamie Oliver's landmark campaign Feed Me Better has grown from strength to strength and has forced schools across the UK to review the items known as junk food on the school menus. It's finally time to say goodbye to turkey twizzlers and beans and chips. Thank goodness!

Undoubtedly children that are encouraged to eat a healthy diet and lead an active lifestyle will be in a better position both physically and mentally. So what can be done to lure our youngsters away from hours in front of the TV or computer?! Too many kids miss the opportunity to enjoy healthy activities in the fresh air.

There are a number of outdoor products on the market tailored to meet the needs of children, whilst maintaining a high standard of safety. The Early Learning Centre (ELC) offers some great products for your garden. With the summer finally in our midst it's a great time to check out what's available on the market. A fantastic product that is loved by all has got to be the trampoline. It is thought that the Eskimos, who used to toss each other up into the air on a walrus skin, came up with the first official type of trampolining. Here in the UK trampolining is said to have kicked off when a number of people holding a large blanket would toss a person into the air and catch them.

Trampolining is not only fun, it is healthy and an ideal method for children to remain active in a safe environment. The ELC site offers a buyers guide to trampolines (http://www.elc.co.uk/trampolines ) to ensure you select the most suitable type for your children. Bounce surrounds and trampoline covers are also available.

In fact, who's to say exciting forms of exercise like trampolining should be limited to children? Why not get one big enough for you to enjoy too. Not only would this help you to keep off the pounds, it would set a great example to our younger generation.