The Importance of Physical Activity
Sedentary lifestyle is becoming a public health issue worldwide.  Today’s children spend a large amount of their time sedentary causing an increased health risk, such as obesity. Obesity is commonly known as the result from energy imbalance when people consume more calories than their body burns. It is associated with some of the leading causes of death in the U.S, including diabetes and heart disease. Obesity has increased dramatically in the past few years especially in children. Promoting a healthy lifestyle in childhood is a good way to prevent obesity and certain chronic diseases that are very common in adulthood. Children need to be more active not only to prevent obesity but also to promote their healthy growth and development. Regular physical activity and decreased sedentary lifestyle is an important pillar for childhood health.
The most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicates that childhood (2-11 years of age) overweight and obesity in the United States has approximately doubled during the past three decades (Garver S. William, Gene-Diet Interactions in Childhood Obesity.) On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a nutritional survey indicating that childhood overweight and obesity increased from 4.2% in 1990 to 6.7% in 2010, with prevalence expected to reach approximately 9.1% by 2020. (De Onis M, Blossner M, Borghi E. Global prevalence and trends of overweight and obesity among preschool children.) The excessive use of electronic devices and the lack of physical activity are associated with the increased number of obese children.
Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescences is important in order to build strong muscles and bones, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, and promote a healthy lifestyle. Healthy habits that start during childhood are easier to maintain in adulthood. For that reason, it is important to ask children if they want to play any sport or do some type of exercise. Parents play an essential role in promoting healthy habits and motivating their children to do some type of physical activity. Canada 's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Children states that endurance, flexibility, and strength are the three types of activities promoting healthy growth and development. Simple activities such as, riding a bike, going to the park, swimming, or even walking instead of using the car are great ways to avoid sedentary behaviors and promote a healthy lifestyle. The key is to enjoy the activities and teach children the importance of physical activity.
