The Importance of Regular Physical Activity for Children
The United States has seen a decrease in the number of children who are
physically active and an increase in the number of children who are
overweight.
- Nearly half of young people aged 12-21 years in the United States
are not vigorously active on a regular basis.
- About 14% of young people report no recent physical activity.
- Over the past 30 years the percent of overweight children aged 6 to
11 years has more than doubled.
 While
more research is needed to understand all of the implications of being an
overweight or inactive child, we do know that obesity and its health risk
factors tend to persist. Overweight children are more likely to become
obese adults. Overweight and obese adults are at increased risk for heart
disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer and
gall bladder disease.
The KidsWalk-to-School program encourages physical activity as an
integral part of a childs daily routine. It assumes that teaching
children the importance and pleasure of walking and bicycling to and from
school may help to increase the likelihood that they will engage in other
forms of physical activity.
Here are some of the potential benefits of regular physical activity
for children:
- Builds and maintains healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
- Helps control weight, build lean muscle and reduce fat.
- Improves sense of self-image and autonomy.
- Fosters healthy social and emotional development.
In addition, preliminary data show that physical activity may improve
academic performance and alertness in youth.
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