A study conducted by the University of Iowa shows that active preschoolers are leaner in late childhood than their sedentary peers.
“The study, published this month in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, indicates that kids who are active at age 5 end up with less fat at age 8 and 11, even when controlling for their accumulated level of activity.”
Physical Activity is wonderful for children especially if it’s unstructured outdoor play. The CDC recommends that all children get 1 hour or more of physical activity each day. Find specific recommendations and tips for encouraging your child to get active by visiting the CDC website. In addition, the benefits for an active child may go beyond physical fitness and health. In fact one study by the University of Illinois found that physical activity may strengthen children’s ability to pay attention.
Chapter Nine of Dr. Robert Melillo’s book, Disconnected Kids, explores training the brain through physical stimulation and sensory-motor excercises. Several of his recommended and effective activities include running in place, jumping rope, and jumping jacks. The key takeaway from all of this? Make physical activity a part of your child’s life as the benefits are great and there are few if any harmful side effects!
