Physical Activity
Encourage children to take part in vigorous activities and join them whenever possible. Children need at least 60 minutes per day of moderate physical activity. It’s important to encourage children to get in the habit of being physically active at a young age. Physical activity helps children have fun and:
- Maintain a healthy weight;
- Develop strong muscles, a healthy heart and lungs;
- Strengthen bones;
- Develop motor skills, balance, and coordination;
- Develop positive attitudes; and
- Improve self esteem.
Tips for Promoting Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is important to maintaining health. Physical activity burns calories, helps with weight control, and reduces the risk of certain
chronic diseases including high blood pressure, stroke, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis later in life. An inactive lifestyle increases the risk of
overweight and obesity as well as many chronic diseases. It is important that children be provided a healthy environment. Children should get regular physical activity to balance the calories from the foods they eat.
Children can be physically active by:
- Turning up the music and dancing;
- Lifting and throwing balls to use muscles;
- Taking the stairs, both up and down; or
Swimming or playing basketball