Children need physical activity

• Did you know that there is a rise in diseases in children that in the past had only been seen in adults?

• Things like obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are being seen more frequently in children.

• One of the best ways to decrease the incidence of these diseases is to ensure that your kids are getting enough physical activity.

• The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that kids 6-17 years old participate in 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity seven days per week.

• Moderate intensity, you can talk but not sing during or right after activity and vigorous intensity, you can only say a few words at a time

• One hour, two 30-minute sessions, or four 15-minute sessions each day would all work. 

• Include muscle strengthening activities (push ups, sit ups, squats, tug of war) three times per week and bone strengthening activities (jumping, skipping, dancing) three times per week.