Exercise

Parents – Get Your Kids Moving!

Physical Activity for Children with Disabilities

Regular exercise is one of the easiest steps you can take in keeping yourself healthy. According to the Center for Disease Control, “For better health, physical activity should be performed regularly. The most recent recommendations advise people of all ages to include a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity (such as brisk walking) on most, if not all, days of the week.”

The body responds to physical activity in ways that have important positive effects on musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine systems. These changes are consistent with a number of health benefits, including a reduced risk of premature mortality and reduced risks of coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes.

Regular participation in physical activity also appears to reduce depression and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance ability to perform daily tasks throughout your life!

Consequences of Physical Inactivity

  • The percentage of young people who are overweight has almost doubled in the past 20 years.
  • Inactivity and poor diet cause at least 300,000 deaths a year in the United States. Only tobacco use causes more preventable deaths.
  • Adults who are less active are at greater risk of dying of heart disease and developing diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure.

Regular exercise and good nutrition can help you maintain a healthy Body Mass Index.

 

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