THE EXERCISE PAGE
The American College of Sports Medicine and The Centers for Disease Control recommends 60 minutes of daily physical activity for the average healthy child, and 30 - 90 minutes of moderately intense physical activity five days a week for the average healthy adult.
Over the past three decades, the prevalence of overweight children has more than doubled for adolescents ages 12 to 19 and the rates have more than tripled for children ages 6 to 11! In fact, 16 percent of 6 to 19 year-olds, or approximately 9 million, are considered overweight. Overweight and Obesity: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health and Athletic Benefits of Physical Education and Physical Activity:
Helps reduce stress.
Improves reaction time.
Improves self-esteem.
Increases energy levels.
Improves motor skills.
Improves social-emotional development (e.g. cooperation, respect, healthy competition).
Helps control weight.
Contributes to healthy bones, muscles and tissue growth.
Improves cardiovascular function.
Improves aerobic fitness, muscular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility.
Decreases the risk of some diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Michigan Action for Healthy Kids Coalition, www.ActionForHealthyKids.org
