Physical Fitness

Dietary guidelines have changed to include 60 minutes a day of physical activity for healthy children. Television and computer use should be kept to a minimum. Children can enhance their fine and gross motor skills by doing such activities as, riding a bike, climbing stairs, jump roping, playing with puzzles, painting and drawing with different writing tools, like crayons, markers, and colored pencils.

When children are not getting enough daily exercise they can become obese or overweight. Childhood obesity has tripled in the past 25 years. Obesity can cause problems such as diabetes, heart disease, some childhood cancers, problems with sleeping and usually obese or overweight children have poor eating habits. Obese children can often suffer with emotional problems due to the fact that they can not do some of the things that their peers can do.

Professionals can promote physical activities by providing daily outdoor fun such as jump roping, playing on the playground which requires climbing up or down a ladder, or even swinging on a swing. Children can run around playing tag which promotes the use of large muscles. Teachers or professionals can include games throughout the day such as music, in which the children can dance. Teachers can also encourage physical activity by rolling a ball to each child on the floor or using bubbles or a hula-hoop. Painting, drawing, playing with puzzles and stringing beads are all activities that help develop fine motor skills.

One thought provoking quote that captures my attitude about fostering children’s healthy growth and development is the quote “couch potato.” Too much TV or computer games are being used by children during these economic times. There are many children due to financial reasons are home from school by themselves and are often amusing themselves with TV or computer games. This discourages exercise so those children become couch potatoes or computer junkies. These activities are sedentary activities, which increase child to become overweight or obese. Teachers and professionals can provide guidance to children on how to select appropriate foods and how to choose activities that are less sedentary.

Physical activity is essential in maintaining a healthy body. Exercise plays a vital role in making sure children stay healthy and happy. Children need to learn fundamental motor skills and develop health related physical fitness (cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility and body composition). Physical activity provided at school is an ideal way to encourage activity and develop fitness among children. Physical activity may also enhance academic performance, self-concept, and mental health.

A healthy child is a happy child.