With childhood obesity increasing at staggering
rates, parents and caregivers must play an
active role in protecting children's health.
Eating healthy foods is a key factor in
maintaining their overall well-being. But, this
has to be balanced with regular physical
activity.
Children who are physically active on a regular
basis will reap enormous benefits.
Studies have shown that they:
- Are less likely to become overweight
- Have a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Have reduced blood cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure
- Have higher self-esteem and reduced incidences of depression and anxiety
- Are more likely to build strong bones and muscles
- Are more attentive in school
In addition to the health benefits of regular
exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep
better. They are also better able to handle the
physical and emotional challenges that a
typical day presents -- be that running to
catch a bus, bending down to tie a shoe,
recess at school or studying for a test.
Children who are just beginning to be
physically active should start out slowly and
gradually build to higher levels. This allows
themto prevent the risk of injury and avoid
feeling defeated from unrealistic goals. It is
important that children are encouraged to be
physically active by doing things that interest
th them. This will help them establish an active
lifestyle early on.
Source: www.kidshealth.org and US Department of
Health and Human Services
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Get Your Kids Out to Play - 60 Minutes A Day!
Family Fitness
Fitness for You!
Take the time to exercise with your kids. Enjoy
activities such as: bicycling, dancing, fishing,
gardening, walking, jump roping and more.
And remember... families that play together,
get fit together.
Children can choose any
type of moderate or higher
intensity physical activity,
such as brisk walking,
playing tag, jumping rope,
or swimming. Just make
sure that it adds up to at
le least one hour a day.
Benefits of Exercise. With childhood obesity
increasing at staggering rates, parents and
caregivers must play an active role in
protecting children's health. Read More >>
Promote Activity, Not Exercise. When most
adults think about exercise, they imagine
working out in the gym on a treadmill or lifting
weights. But for children, exercise means
playing and being physically active.
Read More >>
Steps to Create Your Own Family Fitness Plan.
Read More >>
