CDC promotes benefits of physical activity as kids head back to school

T.S. Martin Neighborhood Park Playground
Image: Rich Wandover/ABC Columbia

(WLOS) — As kids head back to school, health is at the top of parents’ minds. There are a number of benefits to physical activity, including improved mood, sleep, concentration, muscle and bone strength. However, the recommendations for staying active vary depending on age.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says preschool-aged children should be active every day throughout the entire day. Kids between six and 17 years should be active for at least an hour every day and participate in more challenging activities three days a week to build strength.

The CDC told News 13 that kids’ activity levels increase when they head back to school, which they assume is due to physical education classes and the overall routine of heading back to school.

Regardless of their physical activity at school, the CDC still advises parents to promote a healthy lifestyle at home.

“Adults can think about the future benefits of physical activity, so it can motivate an adult to get out there for 30 minutes and play tennis and get all sweaty, but for a kid, it’s a little bit harder–you need to think about the immediate benefits of physical activity,” said Dr. Geoffrey Whitfield, acting chief of the CDC’s Physical Activity and Health Branch.

Some of their tips include turning exercise into a game or suggesting the child participate in a sport after school.

A full list of ideas for integrating physical activity into your family’s life can be found here.