There are so many good reasons for children of all ages to get moving. Physical activity can help promote important movement skills, coordination, balance, and strength. In addition, active children will experience improved concentration and school performance, mental health, bone density, and more.
Unfortunately, a 2020 report on physical activity from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates only about 8% of adolescents and 25% of kids meet current activity guidelines.
With this news, CPCMG encourages all families to increase their physical activity. Even babies and toddlers will benefit as fundamental movement skills start to development in infancy and early childhood, and progress throughout adolescence. Early confidence gained in physical skills (like balancing, riding a bike, or learning swim) can make it easier for kids to continue to be active throughout adolescence and teenage years.
Parents play an important role as well. Not only do they provide opportunities for physical activity, but can also model healthy habits. Kids who grow up in families with active parents are more likely to be active themselves.
Find out more about kids’ physical activity guidelines by checking out the new statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
If your family wants to learn about healthy lifestyle changes, call The W.E.L.L. Clinic by Children’s Primary Care Medical Group today! We can help you develop healthy habits like physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and screen time. To schedule an appointment, call 760-633-3640 for the La Costa location or 760-547-1010 for the Oceanside location.
Children’s Primary Care Medical Group also sponsors Walk with a Doc, a free weekly walk and short talk about strategies for becoming a healthy and fit family. Walk with a Doc is held at Stagecoach Park in Carlsbad on Tuesdays at 4pm and Calavera Hills Park in Carlsbad on Thursdays at 4pm. Walks are free for the whole family and a healthy snack (fruit or vegetable) is provided. Find out more at walkwithadoc.org/Carlsbad.
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