Youth Physical Health
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35%
of kids and teens (5-17) are meeting national physical activity guidelines1
29%
of high school students attended physical education classes daily3
51%
of high school students participated in muscle strengthening exercises on 3 or more days / week3
60%
of children ages 3-4 are meeting national physical activity guidelines2
Being physically inactive is the 4th leading risk factor for mortality on a national scale1
Benefits of an Active Lifestyle3
Keep heart and lungs strong and healthy
Become more flexible
Develop strong bones
Keep a healthy body weight
Lower the risk of several diseases and health problems
Stress reduction
Increased sleep
Better school performance
Improve mood and self-esteem
How is Kindred Foundation helping?
Kindred Foundation supports physical activity programs and initiatives for youth to help them be more active and give them the physical health resources they need.
Kindred Foundation is a proud funder of The Mabbott Lab at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Dr. Donald Mabbott and his team are conducting research into how physical exercise and other interventions promote brain repair for children with brain injury and brain tumours.
How to Get Children Active3
Children learn the most about healthy active living from parents. Include the whole family in regular physical activity and healthy eating. It’s easier if families do things together as part of their daily routine.
Choose activities that suit your child’s age and stage of development.
Give your child lots of time to be active in both structured activities (e.g., organized sports) and unstructured activities (e.g., going to the playground).
Keep activities fun.
As teens strive for independence, they may want to do some things on their own. Encourage them to go for a walk or bike ride with friends.
Physical activity during childhood creates healthier brains!1
How Much Activity Should Children Get?3
Infants (0-12 months)
Should be physically active several times daily. At least 30 minutes of tummy time throughout the day.
Toddlers (1-2 years)
180 minutes of physical activity through the day (planned, organized and/or unstructured physical activity or free play).
Preschoolers (3-4 years)
Gradually progress to at least 60 minutes of energetic play (moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity) by 5 years of age.
Children (5-17 years)
At least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity every day, including:
Vigorous-intensity activities at least 3 days a week.
Activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 days a week.
Types of Activity4
Aerobic activity: Riding a scooter, bike, or going for a brisk walk.
Muscle strengthening: Gymnastics or playing on the jungle gym.
Bone strengthening: Jumping rope, running, or playing soccer.
How Families Can Support Healthy Active Living3
When possible, set limits on how much time your children and teens spend in front of a screen.
Playing organized sports isn’t enough to keep children and youth healthy. Encourage your child or teen to be active every day, by walking or cycling to a friend’s house, skipping rope, or playing in a neighbourhood park or playground.
If you drive your children to school, try walking instead, or organize a walking club with neighbours.
Encourage your children to take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
Get your child involved in activities around the house: carrying the groceries, raking leaves, or shovelling snow.
Be sure activities are safe. Children and youth should wear protective equipment for activities like cycling, skating, skateboarding, soccer, and other physical activities.
Remember to be a good role model!
References
World health organization (2010). Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/nbk305049/
Participaction. (2018). 2018 Participaction report card on physical activity for children and youth. retrieved from https://www.participaction.com/sites/default/files/downloads/2018_participaction_report_card_-_highlight_report_0.pdf
CDC. (2020, April 21). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/facts.htm
Tracy Trautner, M. S. (2021, March 17). Benefits of children being active. Retrieved from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/benefits_of_children_being_active
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