Regular physical activity is good for everyone’s health, and people of all ages and body types can be physically active. National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a great time to spread the word about the benefits of getting active.
Here are just a few benefits of physical activity:
Children and adolescents:
Physical activity can improve muscular fitness, bone health and heart health.
Adults:
Physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.
Older adults:
Physical activity can lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive functioning (like learning and judgment skills).
Communities, health professionals and families can work together to create opportunities for everyone to get more physical activity.
How can National Physical Fitness and Sports Month make a difference?
We can use this month to raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity and spread the word about fun ways to get moving.
Here are just a few ideas:
• Encourage families to make small changes, like taking a walk after dinner or going for a bike ride.
• Motivate teachers and administrators to make physical activity a part of every student’s day.
• Identify youth leaders in the community who can talk to their peers about the importance of being active.
For more online resources, tips and ideas about getting and staying healthy check out some of these websites:
- Presidential Youth Fitness Program (www.pyfp.org)
- SHAPE America—Society of Health and Physical Educators (ShapeAmerica.org)
- The National Foundation on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (www.letsmoveschools.org)
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (healthfinder.gov)
- The Cooper Institute (www.cooperinstitute.org)
- President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (www.fitness.gov)
- United States Department of Agriculture (www.supertracker.usda.gov)
