Importance of physical activities
There is significant research that explains the relation between health and physical activity in adults, with emerging focus on its effects on childhood and adolescence (OPHEA, 2011). The early years (0-6 years) are a pivotal time for development and growth. Partaking in regular physical activities has many short-term and long-term benefits (OPHEA, 2011).
Benefits of regular physical activity (OPHEA, 2011):
• Encourages muscle growth and helps develop strong bones
• Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• Makes the heart and lungs stronger
• Maintains a healthy blood pressure
• Increases flexibility
• Improves coordination
• Is associated with improved self-esteem
• Helps improve sleeping habits and relaxation
• Helps children feel good about themselves
• Presents opportunities to practise self-discipline
• Helps increase creativity, learning and academic performance through improvements
in cognitive function (e.g., concentration, memory, problem-solving skills/abilities),
reduced misconduct behaviours, and increased attention span
• Provides opportunities to develop motor/sports skills and life skills
• Provides opportunities to socialize and make friendships
• Improves physical competency and global self-esteem, and is helpful in the short-term
management of anxiety and depression in children and youth
• Plays a role in the prevention and risk management for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome
I have provided a couple of online resources for you that will help get your child active and outdoors. Please review the tips under the "Helping kids be active" and "Getting kids outside" tabs.
Benefits of regular physical activity (OPHEA, 2011):
• Encourages muscle growth and helps develop strong bones
• Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• Makes the heart and lungs stronger
• Maintains a healthy blood pressure
• Increases flexibility
• Improves coordination
• Is associated with improved self-esteem
• Helps improve sleeping habits and relaxation
• Helps children feel good about themselves
• Presents opportunities to practise self-discipline
• Helps increase creativity, learning and academic performance through improvements
in cognitive function (e.g., concentration, memory, problem-solving skills/abilities),
reduced misconduct behaviours, and increased attention span
• Provides opportunities to develop motor/sports skills and life skills
• Provides opportunities to socialize and make friendships
• Improves physical competency and global self-esteem, and is helpful in the short-term
management of anxiety and depression in children and youth
• Plays a role in the prevention and risk management for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome
I have provided a couple of online resources for you that will help get your child active and outdoors. Please review the tips under the "Helping kids be active" and "Getting kids outside" tabs.