Regular exercise in children and adolescents can pay immediate health benefits for example reduction in body fat, diminished mental stress and if persistent can reduce the risk of future adult disorders such as osteoporosis and hypertension.
Therefore exercise in youth should be designed to introduce exercise habits that will serve as the basis for a long- term life style of regular physical activity.
Although children are the most physically active age group, a significant minority is considered to have inadequate levels of regular exercise.
Physical activity typically declines through puberty, especially for girls and the development for appropriate intervention strategies are important.
Therefore a reasonable goal for goal is for each child to engage in at least a moderate level of physical activity 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week and should include brief periods of rest and recovery.
You can monitor your child’s daily weekly activity by using the Children’s daily diary.
It is important to recognise that regular exercise helps with the emotional and physical health of children. It is a concern that children are spending more time in sedentary pursuits such as watching television, sitting at the computer, playing video games etc.
Therefore it is vital to promote positive activities from various communities.
Schools should be offering:
Daily physical education classes
Eliminate any exemptions for physical activity
Increase the time during activity
Ensure the activities are enjoyable
Promote skill development
Not to limit activity to just team orientation
Provide safe facilities outside school hours
Parents should:
Get involved with the schools activities
Offer encouragement and praise
Show interest
Encourage activity at home
Provide transport to and from the activities
Set a good example by being active themselves
Children don’t require heart rate monitoring because of their low cardiac risk so please encourage your child to get involved with active pursuits they enjoy and ask their friends to join in.
Regular exercise in children and adolescents can pay immediate health benefits for example reduction in body fat, diminished mental stress and if persistent can reduce the risk of future adult disorders such as osteoporosis and hypertension.
