By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
For us siblings, vacations from elementary school meant “alumani” (blueberries) and “ubi” (camote) in Banao or to Alapo Tacao’s pasto. Young kids were allowed to roam the Banao mountains to pick alumani and then help get the camote into the sacks (yes, we had sacks of camote then). The kids in school were also the kids in the mountains. Our days in the mountains were also great times of learning- we learned which berries were edible and which were not, which plant among the many was “pongpong” (and salt would appear from somewhere) and after the “kido” and “kimat”, which mushrooms were edible. We were taught not to venture out so far or else the “boso” (“enemy”) would get us. We had the bizarre idea that the “boso” was the man with a “balaka” (traditional woven rattan hat). Well, that was part of our misguided education.
But I learned a lot more from those times – following unwritten rules, sticking with the group, sharing, etc. And all those walking, climbing, stretching (to reach the berries), jumping, running, twisting (to reach the berries again), bending, etc. make for nimble, flexible, sturdy bodies, now and in the future. In other words, these various physical meaningful activities make HEALTHY BODIES. I don’t remember getting sick even after we were drenched by a sudden heavy downpour. We know how these summer rains would suddenly pour buckets and yet, no panateng (colds). Of course, it is noted that our food was rice and bilis and camote or sayote. We didn’t bring any water to Banao or to any mountain because fresh spring water would just be a little walk away.
Now I know why these young kids seem to grow faster in summer than at any other time. Those daily physical activities promote better growth and development. We have discussed this in an earlier issue but I would like to reiterate that these physical activities promote healthy development of bones, joints and muscles for flexibility, coordination, balance and endurance aside from muscle strength and bone density. No wonder that despite our jumping and running rough terrain in those times, nobody ever had a fall or had a sprained ankle. Yes, accidents usually happen because of poor balance and flexibility.
And what more, these varied physical activities in nature also are necessary for brain development – building confidence, develop their imagination and articulating thoughts and feelings. Try being pricked by the thorn of the pinit if you won’t cry “ARAY!”. With practice, one learns to articulate.
How about imagination? It is very hard to imagine when all you do is stare at the idiot box all day and half the night. They did not call TV an “idiot box” for no cause. And what would your child develop when he or she sits in front of the computer all day playing internet games or surfing internet. Aside from developing eye strain and back problems (for which you will have to spend more money later) and sluggishness and wrist problems, etc, your child will miss those opportunities to develop properly and to his or her full potential. How sad!
Studies also show that these physical activities help control weight, lower fat and thus prevent lifestyle diseases. You cannot hope to introduce physical activities to an adult or to a high school student. That would be too late.
Children grow and develop following the same principles of nature. Just like any other living creature. They have to grow in the right environment and be given the appropriate stimuli at the right time. You cannot hope to grow healthy palay in polluted fields. And no matter how much care you shower care on the rice plant if it is past the stage of growth, it will not develop to its maximum potential, would it? Isn’t it ironic that we call having TV, internet, refrigerator as “development” and “progress”?
I am happy to hear one mother say that her kids will go to the farm this summer vacation. I hope other parents will also take this chance to let their kids feel nature’s wonders and let them experience the innumerable thrills that only nature can provide- walking on narrow pathways, crossing rivers, watching the sun rise and set, listening to the “tala” tweet that it’s five o’clock p.m., etc, etc. At the same time, these parents will also share the joy of their children at their discoveries. Then come school time, these lucky kids will have something to write in their theme notebook on “What I Did Last Summer”. (Do schools still require this thing?). And they won’t have to bully a poor classmate, as they would have spent all the angst during those wonderful summer escapades. HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!
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