Exercise should be an important part of your child's day. Children need up to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day in order to be healthy. If your child does not get enough exercise on a regular basis, he could be at an increased risk for certain health problems. Establishing good physical fitness habits from a young age will promote a healthy lifestyle for the rest of his life.
Childhood Obesity
The less you exercise, the greater the risk you may become overweight. Obesity is on the rise -- especially among children. According to the World Health Organization, obesity affects more than 42 million children. There are several reasons why your child may be obese. Making poor food choices and not following a heart-healthy diet can contribute to obesity. Eating foods that are processed or high in sugar can also cause childhood obesity. When your child eats foods that are unhealthy on a consistent basis in conjunction with a lack of exercise, she will gain weight.
Disease Predisposition
Not getting enough day-to-day to exercise can make you feel bogged down and tired, and it can also set you up for future health risks. Type 2 diabetes affects your endocrine system and how your body uses insulin. When you are diabetic, blood sugar levels rise in the blood -- especially after a meal. This triggers the release of insulin. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body may ignore the insulin or not use it properly. Diabetes can result from leading a sedentary lifestyle. Other medical conditions that result from being physically inactive include heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and stroke. Lack of exercise leaves children at higher risk for disease than children who exercise daily.
Emotional Health
Lack of exercise also affects your child's emotional health. Children who do not exercise regularly are at a greater risk for self-esteem problems and depression. Exercise helps you look your best; if your child is overweight he faces the risk of ridicule by his peers. Low self-esteem can hold your child back from sports, making new friends and engaging in extracurricular activities. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that help you feel good and deal with stress easier. When exercise is missing, depression has a chance to take over.
High Risk Youth
Exercising regularly and reaching personal fitness goals is attainable by most children. This helps her stay healthy, feel good about herself and have a positive outlet for her time and energy. Too much idle time can lead to developing lifestyle habits that are harmful, including experimentation with drugs or alcohol, joining a gang, teen sex, vandalism and truancy. If you feel your child is at high risk for making poor choices, encourage her to join an after-school sports program that will help keep her active and out of trouble.
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