Daily physical activity is essential for children’s and adolescents’ well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say kids between the ages of six and 17 need at least 60 minutes of moderateto- vigorous physical activity every day. Preschool- aged children between three and five years of age should be active throughout the day, with a focus on active play. Despite this, a large portion of children and adolescents are not meeting the recommended daily physical activity guidelines. A global World Health Organization-led study found that more than 80 percent of schoolaged adolescents worldwide were insufficiently active.
Parents who want their children to be more physically active can try these approaches to make that happen.
• Speak with the pediatrician. A child’s doctor can offer suggestions on how to be more physically active and emphasize to kids why it is important for their overall health.
