couch potato

Hey, is the couch potato there?

Have you ever wondered where the phrase ‘couch potato’ originated?

Here’s the historical background… Californian, Tom Lacino phoned a friend whose girlfriend answered the call and, apropos of nothing, Tom said, “Hey, is the couch potato there?”. She looked over and there was her boyfriend lying on the couch – girlfriend couldn’t stop laughing. And so, a phrase was born. It, however, was Tom’s friend, cartoonist Robert Armstrong who, with Tom’s permission, trademarked the term.

According to the Collins Dictionary, a couch potato is someone who spends most of their time watching television and does not exercise or have any interesting hobbies.

couch potatoHow many couch potatoes do you have in your home? It’s important to encourage the laziness out of these individuals because physical activity and sport play a pivotal role in the lives of all children – delivering numerous benefits. For those with special needs, the importance of engaging in these activities cannot be overstated. Physical activity enhances their physical well-being and, also, contributes significantly to their overall development, self-esteem, and social integration.

Exercise helps strengthen muscles, improves cardiovascular health – and enhances flexibility and coordination. These benefits are particularly vital for children with mobility issues or with conditions such as cerebral palsy.

couch potatoEngaging in physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function – including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. For children with special needs, these cognitive benefits can be particularly significant. Physical activity can help them focus better in the classroom, leading to improved academic performance

The sensory input and stimulation that come with physical activity can help children with sensory processing disorders, regulating their sensory experiences, and making it easier for them to engage in learning as well as coping with daily activities.

At Capulum College we promote opportunities for our learners to engage in sport and physical activities. By doing so, we empower them to lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives – breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive society.

We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be…

- Obert Skye -

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