Physical Fitness for Children

No one legitimately argues that exercise for children whose health permits it is not important. Physical fitness impacts the entire person. All children are in the process of growing and developing. The various aspects of the child's life are important and must work together.

The primary obstacle to physical fitness is technological growth. Television and video games can become all consuming, and even an addiction. Proponents argue that video games, and even TV, improve reflexes and can assist in learning. This is true. But when they take up so much time that there is little or none left for exercise, there is a serious health risk. Another factor is the busy life of the parent or parents. The number of "latchkey kids" is enormous. When the parent or parents are working, TV and games become a way for the adults to keep children occupied and in the home.

Children, by nature, love to play. They have some opportunity to do this during school hours. There is also some physical exercise associated with most daycare centers. But normally this is not enough. Parents encouraging their children to sign up for sports activities, and being there to support them, is a great way to ensure adequate physical exercise. This includes band (a lot of marching) and cheerleading.

The National Football League supports a program to ensure that children have a minimum of 60 minutes of physical exercise each day. This does not mean it must be football. It means active exercise that impacts in a positive way the heart, the physique and the overall development of the child. They are our future, and we owe it to them to make sure they grow up healthy.