The importance of helping your child stay physically fit.

      Physical fitness is an important part of your pre-schooler’s life.   Staying healthy at this age will provide them with a great foundation of health as they grow into adults.  They will pass their healthy habits on to their own children and will help them lead a long, happy life.  Eating healthy foods and getting exercise daily is the key and this fact sheet will outline how we can achieve this.

 Why should children exercise?

*Children can become overweight or obese which leads to health problems such as juvenile diabetes and high blood pressure.  Overweight children can have low- self esteem and may be ridiculed by other children.  Depression can follow.

*Children who don’t get enough may develop weaker bones and it can affect flexibility.

*Children are better able to cope with stress and handle emotional challenges better than kids who don’t exercise.

*Children sleep better when they get more exercise.

 How do I encourage my child to exercise?

*Limit the amount of time your child watches TV and plays video games and computer time.

*Introduce your child to sports, encourage them to try different things until they find the sport that suits them.

*Exercise as a family.  Activities such as bike rides, nature walks, or playing in the yard are enjoyable for families.  Make it fun for you and your kids.  Not only will you have fun, but you’ll also make memories.  Such activities will also help your pre-schooler develop their fine and gross motor skills.

*Talk to your child and explain to them the importance of exercise and how it helps them to say healthy.

What lasting effects will my child gain from exercising?

*Children who develop healthy lifestyles through childhood typically carry that with them into adulthood.  Overweight children typically will become overweight adults and can have a lifetime of health effects from it.

*Children who engage in sports tend to have better self esteem and feel good about themselves.

*Exercising improves memory.

*Exercising promotes strong bones.

*Staying healthy as a child and into adulthood will help them instill healthy habits into their own children.

*A stronger immune system and ability to fight off disease.

*Strengthens their cardiovascular systems.  A healthy heart and lungs will help them avoid heart disease later in life.

 “Children are one third of our population and all of our future”.  ~Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health, 1981