Promoting Exercise in Children

Every child needs to exercise. Exercise is a risk free and sound investment that parents can make for their child's future. It is a fact that many children do not get enough physical activity leading to problems such as childhood obesity. In fact, modern day gadgets such as the personal computer and television are partly responsible for the sedentary lifestyle of children and that is why exercise is a must in growing children.

Benefits of exercise

Lack of exercise can have negative health consequences both in the present as well as in the future. Other than building bones, muscles and joints, exercise has numerous long term benefits that children would appreciate once they are adults.

Exercise helps in controlling weight. It is a proven fact that increased physical activity is an effective weight loss strategy. Obesity should be avoided at any cost in a child, since it can lead to numerous problems such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes later in life.

Exercise also helps to protect the heart and controls hypertension. Though heart disease manifests itself in adult age, risk factors appear early in life. It is best to avoid these by following a regular pattern of exercise. Studies have linked physical activity with low levels of bad cholesterol in children. Exercise also has a positive effect on high blood pressure.

Physical activity in childhood has a lasting effect on bone development. Studies have shown that the physical activity in childhood lowers osteoporosis (bone disease) risk in the future by increasing the bone mineral density.

Exercise improves the physical self-image of the child as well as their self-esteem and confidence.

Precautions

Children should not play when in pain or take painkillers and play.

Children should not perform weight training with heavy resistances. Their bones are still in the developing phase and hence should not be subjected to heavy loads.

Make sure that the child is having plenty of water and other fluids. Due to their small size children are prone to dehydration. They should be given fluids both before and after the exercise

Discourage the child to continue on one kind of sport or exercise. Variety results in much better development of the child.

Supervise your child, in exercises that require the risk of falling such as bar exercises.

Western countries recommend that all children five and above should participate in a minimum of 30 minutes of interesting moderate level activities such as running, skipping, cycling or even dancing. As a parent, it is your responsibility to provide ample opportunities to your child to stay physically active. Remember, exercise is a valuable tool that you can give your child to manage their health now and in the future.