According to recent statistics, more than one in five 5-11 year olds in North Carolina is overweight, putting them at risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and social and psychological problems such as poor self-esteem and discrimination. The chances that an overweight child will become an overweight adult are nearly 70%.
Physical inactivity and poor nutrition are the major contributors to childhood overweight. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that children be physically active for at least 60 minutes per day. In North Carolina, only half of middle school youth report getting at least 20 minutes of vigorous physical activity, and only 25.3% report getting at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days.
There are many benefits to adopting a physically active lifestyle. They include:
- Reduces risk for weight gain which can lead to disease
- Increases energy
- Helps children improve their self-esteem
- Combats depression
Why NC Schools should be involved
Since, most children spend the greater part of their day in school, teachers have the opportunity to provide a significant portion of their required daily physical activity during the school day. Research shows that well-designed, well-implemented school programs can effectively promote physical activity.
Physical activity can have positive effects on mental health and academic achievement. Students who are physically active have improved mood and cognitive functioning such as attention, concentration, memory, language, abstract reasoning and calculation. There is some evidence that suggests that children in elementary through high school perform better academically when they are physically active. Furthermore, physically active children have better school attendance and fewer discipline problems.
Click on the following link to learn more about the relationship between a healthy, active child and academic achievement.
Physical Activity and Academic Achievement
Doesn’t my child get physical education during the school day? Click on the link below to learn about the differences between physical activity and physical education.
PA vs. PE Document