Active Children
A popular
myth is that children get all the exercise they need. In reality, many do not. Studies
show that a majority of youngster lack adequate flexibility, muscular strength,
and cardiorespiratory endurance. Sedentary parents tend to bring up sedentary
offspring. Television and video games are drawing an ever increasing number of
children away from the playground.
It is
therefore desirable that children be given good opportunities to play the games
and sports, and to share house and yard work. Only 10 or 15 minutes a day of
rope skipping, trampolining, raking, or sweeping provides adequate aerobic fitness.
As much as possible, parents ought to participate, not merely supervise.
Weekends are the best time for family fitness activities. Playing ball or frisbee,
taking short hikes, and doing simple calisthenics are all within easy reach.
Small children like grown-up tasks. Parents should assign and supervise some
household chores to children as their
hidden exercises. Lethargic children grow up to be flabby adults, but active
ones carry over to their maturity the quick reflexes, balance, coordination,
and grace acquired in the early years. It is never too soon exercise.
Exercise For Longer
Life
Regular
physical activity though out life contributes significantly to health and fitness,
and retards the aging process. To put it another way, exercise promotes
longevity. A fitness and weight-control program belatedly begun in middle age
can still minimize or offset degenerative diseases such as arthritis, high
blood pressure, and coronary heart disease, which once were considered unavoidable
in the alter year. For the elderly, it has been demonstrated, a 10-year fitness
program not only will improve general fitness but also can elevate mental
awareness and outlook. Even among the elderly who suffer from some disability,
regular physical activity improves alertness and give a sense of independence
and usefulness. It is never too late to exercise.
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MARCH 12
