In today's competitive global society with its escalating healthcare costs and volatile economies, nations and regions are focusing on the critical role sports can play in health. Increasingly, the promotion of sports programs is seen as an investment in the present and future well-being, not only of individuals but of political and economic systems. In the United States, Why Johnny Can't Run is right up there with Why Johnny Can't Read as a national concern.
The Obesity Epidemic
According to the U.S. government, nearly one child out of three in America is obese. Thirty years ago things were different and kids were thinner. Here's what's changed. Kids are driven to school. Gym classes and intermural sports are cut. Homework, tutoring and lessons keep kids from playing outside after school and on weekends. The average American child spends 7.5 hours a day sitting in front of a screen. Fast food has replaced healthy home cooking. Snacking is up and portions are supersized. So are the kids.
Sports Programs in Schools
A University of Illinois study showed that girls who participated in sports in school had a 7 percent lower rate of obesity more than two decades later, decreasing their risk for diabetes and other chronic diseases. In China, the Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion at the Chinese University of Hong Kong is promoting an initiative called Healthy Schools that aims to improve overall national health through sports programs in all schools, not just Olympic training academies.
Social Skills and Healthy Behaviors
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found that regular physical activity for children improves strength and endurance, controls weight, builds healthy muscles and bones, increases self-esteem, reduces anxiety and may improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Sports participation fosters an understanding of cooperative and competitive behavior, can contribute to the development of empathy and deters delinquency. School-age sports teach lifelong healthy social behaviors.
Sports Health Benefits for Adults
The American College of Sports Medicine suggests that healthy adults under age 65 get at least 1.5 hours of moderately intense or 1 hour of intense cardiovascular activity each week and perform multiple repetitions of strength-building exercises twice a week. Participation in regular sports activity is one way to meet these targets. Tennis, bowling, running and race participation, team volleyball, soccer or softball can help adults to control weight and maintain flexibility, strength and optimum health.
Managing Healthcare Costs
Sports and health are linked in far broader ways than just staying physically fit. The European Commission wants to utilize sports in schools and in communities as a way to cut back on serious health hazards like excess consumption of alcohol, smoking, cancers, high cholesterol, heart disease and mental illnesses. The healthcare cost savings of limiting those risks is significant. In addition, about 14 million EU citizens are overweight and the number is trending upward. With obesity responsible for 7 percent of healthcare costs, the motivation to increase sports participation is a powerful one.
References
- European Union: Commision White Paper on Sport, Physical Activity and Public Health
- Let's Move: Get Active
- Chinese University of Hong Kong: The Concept of Promoting Health Through Sports and Physical Activity
- New York Times: As Girls Become Women, Sports Pay Dividends
- Carnegie Corporation Report: Youth Sports in America
- American College of Sports Medicine: Guidelines for Healthy Adults Under 65
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