Blowing Away the Cobwebs

    

 Oban Bay. A place to embrace open space.

    Recent research reports that children by the age of seven, have spent the equivalent of one year of their lives in front of a TV, or computer screen. In turn, the lack of exercise can have long term, serious health implications, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

    Now these findings aren't new, this is information that we've already been told repeatedly. So, how can we get our kids to embrace the great outdoors? Well, for a start off we adults need to lead by example and get off our own butt's.

   Speaking as a writer and someone who knows from personal experience, spending hours in front of a computer screen certainly assists the derriere and waistline to expand. Although I do try and get out and about regularly, because I find it's not just my body that benefits from a workout, my mind does too. There's nothing better for clearing my thoughts than a brisk walk in the countryside, or local park.

    If you've been promising yourself to start a new health regime, this week is the time to begin. In the UK it's 'National Park Week' commencing 27th July to 4th August and it's all about encouraging the young and old alike, to get outside and embrace our green spaces and parks.

    Last weekend I visited the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, which opened July 2002 and I was amazed at the activities that are available to all. Whether you want to go cycling, walking, boating, bird-watching, or fishing it's all there.

    All these activities get the blood pumping through our veins, stimulate our brains and may help stir our creative juices. After all it's said that a visit to the Trossachs inspired, Sir Walter Scott to write 'The Lady of the Lake.'

One of the many lochs in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park