With the change in lifestyle and all the means of technology that have become an essential partner in our daily lives, children have become more increasingly attached to all sorts of technology devices. They are often seen sitting behind one screen or another. As a result, day by day they are becoming less active and less physically fit. Although advanced technology has many benefits, it is important to avoid wasting too much time in front of the television screen or game console to the detriment of our health. Researchers analyzed 50 studies on the fitness of kids between the year 1964 and 2010, which contained data on more than 25 million kids between the ages of 9 and 17 from 28 countries around the world. They found that in the United States, the children's cardiovascular health dropped by an average of 6 percent every decade. Researchers at the University of South Australia declared that children's aerobic fitness has declined by 5% in the last 40 years. U.S. health authorities say that children should be getting 60 minutes of active play a day, but only one-third are getting that. It is not only children who have been negative affected by too much technology. Researchers found out that the average adult's aerobic fitness has been declining at pretty much the same rate as children. For better health, doctors strongly urge getting exercise. Islam stresses the value of keeping our body healthy through maintaining an active lifestyle as well. In Islam, sports are important to keep the body healthy. Sports like archery, swimming, and horseback riding are especially encouraged. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised his followers, to work, to be energetic, and to start their day early, all of which are conditions for a healthy body. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "A strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than a weak one, and both are good. Keenly pursue what benefits you, seek help only from Allah, and do not give up. If something befalls you, do not say, ‘If only I had done otherwise,' but rather say, ‘Allah so determined and did as He willed,' for ‘if only' opens the door to Satan's work." (Al-Bukhari) The one who is physically stronger is better because a physically health body is better able to perform more acts of worship, like fasting, the night voluntary prayers, and helping others and looking out for others' needs. Exercising and staying fit is the key factor to maintain a sound, healthy body. The Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companion, Umar bin Al-Khattab, urged people to teach their children archery, swimming, and horseback riding. Performing the five daily prayers is in itself a form of exercise, movements of prayers involve all the muscles and joints of the body, and concentration in prayer relieves mental stress. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), said, "Any action without the remembrance of Allah is either a diversion or heedlessness excepting four acts: Walking from target to target [during archery practice], training a horse, playing with one's family, and learning to swim." Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions were physically fit. Long distances were often covered on foot. Today, our lifestyles have become so lazy and inactive. Studies have shown a direct correlation between childhood obesity and the number of hours a child spends watching television or sitting down in front of a computer or mobile device. Physical exercise strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system. The lungs' capacity increase with hard working exercise and their efficiency in moving air in and out of the body also improves. Regular exercise helps keep blood sugar levels under control, preventing sugar from accumulating in the blood, which in turn reduces risk of developing diabetes Physical exercise leads to weight loss. It has been shown to reduce stress levels, blood pressure, and they risk for heart disease. It enhances emotional well-being because during physical exercise, the production of the hormones serotonin and endorphins are increased which boost the mood. The traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) undoubtedly encourage involvement in physical activity as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to compliment his companions when he would see them practicing archery. Aisha, the Prophet's wife said, "I raced with the Prophet and I beat him. Later when I had put on some weight, we raced again and he won. Then he said, ‘this cancels that' (referring to the previous race)." A true believer recognizes the wonder of the human body and is grateful to Allah. This gratitude is shown in the care of our bodies and striving to maintain optimal health. A truly health conscious person blends nutrition and exercise with the remembrance of Allah and with the intention to fulfill all religious obligations.
