Physical Activity Essay

Advancement of Physical Activity

Adding physical activity programs in the elementary school is important for the children’s health. Engaging in physical activity for young children improves their mental and physical health. It’s important to teach children healthy habits when they are young because the children will continue these habits until adulthood. Schools need to be monitored to make sure they are offering physical activity classes. The physical activity classes need to be more rigorous because they are not challenging the children enough. Regular physical activity in young children improves strength, helps control weight and stress. Our school system needs to offer more physical activity

Studies show “About three out of four children ages 5 to 10 get less than one hour of physical activity daily (Hendrick 1).” According to these results young children are not receiving enough exercise. The schools are not offering enough time in the classes. “Recently, the Institute of Medicine recommended an average daily dose of 30 minutes for elementary school and 45 minutes for middle and high school of activity for PE lessons that composed of at least 50% MVPA … most fall short of this mark (Kahan , Thomas, Mckenzie 653).” The Institute of Medicine(IOM) is a American non-profit organization that provides the public with information to help improve health. IMO gives nonbiased information to help people such as these children that are not getting enough physical activity and they give advice that can slow down the childhood obesity rate in the United States. Also, Pre-schools are not offering the amount of recommended physical activity. Pre-schools need to focus on having time for gym because young children need to be active. When the school system is involved the children will be healthy. “Many pre-school children failed to achieve that national association for sport and physical education physical activity recommendation placing themselves at an increased risk of over weight and its associated health consequences (Lanigan).” The pre-schools need to make sure more children pass the national

Physical activity combats depression because it builds confidence. Physical activity takes up time and keeps the mind active. Research says “One-third of children that are over weight or obese, posing a daunting public-health challenge. They are more likely to develop serious illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension (Mantel 1)”, Students are becoming unhealthy at a very early stage in life. This gives children a bad start to their long lives and a bad representation for the school system. The school system should have programs set in place to avoid early complications and give the children a better chance to be healthy. Programs that can provide longer recess times or build playgrounds in the school are examples of physical activity. Longer recess times give the kids more time to play with other kids and burn more calories. Building the children’s stamina and desire to have fun with their friends to keep them active. Playgrounds are fun for children and help them meet with other children while playing together. The young children build confidence, which helps them fight depression and create a better atmosphere among the young children. “Early life stress is a crucial factor accounting for exacerbation of mental health issues in a general population as well as in a psychiatric population (Suzuki 1).” Children with obesity problems deal with early life stress. This can be a major problem in the