The incidence of childhood obesity in the United States continues to be on the rise. As a result, chronic disease, musculoskeletal issues and self-esteem issues are also on the rise.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is recommended that physical activity in children and adolescents consist of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day to help promote muscle and bone development.
There are various types of exercise that will benefit your child or adolescent. Some of the more accessible types of exercise are:
- Outdoor games, such as tug-of-war or relay racing
- Walking to and from school (when possible)
- Bicycle riding
- Jumping rope
- Martial arts
- Sports (soccer, hockey, basketball, swimming, tennis, baseball)
- Skiing
- Dancing
- Rollerblading
- Skateboarding
- Walking the dog
- Aerobics
- Gymnastics
- Push-ups (modified with the knees on the floor)
- Using resistance bands while exercising
- Playground activities (swings, slides, etc.)
Too often children and adolescents are sedentary; spending too many hours a day on their smart phones, game stations, tablets or in front of the television.
Regular exercise promotes healthy bone growth, strength and mass, as well as raising your heart rate. In fact, studies have shown that children and adolescents who exercise daily are prone to stronger muscles and bones, have loser body mass index, are less likely to become overweight, have a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and have a better outlook on life.
So dust off the dance shoes, tie up your sneakers, take the bike out of the garage, put the dog on a leash and begin to get healthy!
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.