60 minutes a day of sport for children to lead a healthy life

The overweight and obesity have serious consequences: it is directly related to an increased risk of suffering andcardiovascular disease and diabetes, In addition to increasing the cancer risk.

The overweight in childhood also has consequences: it hinders proper psychological and social development, as overweight and obese boys and girls have lower self-esteem and are presented more frequently depression and poorer academic performance.

according to him a study of AladdinAmong the factors associated with obesity, those associated with eating habits and lack of physical activity, Like low fruit and vegetable consumption o excessive use of screens; although there is still a significant gap depending on income level the economic status of the family and the educational level of the parents.

The obesity pandemic is a complex problem that affects more lower income families and in a situation of socio-economic vulnerability.

According to the aforementioned study, 40.6% of boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 9 are overweight or obese. Furthermore, although approximately three out of four boys and girls are enrolled in extracurricular sports activities, the percentage of girls over boys and obese students is lower than other students.

The percentage of children with intense physical activity It is also higher than that of girls. and a 6.6% of students spend 3 or more hours a week in front of electronic screens, while this percentage amounts to 39.2% on weekends.

How to encourage physical activity in girls and boys?

As families, we can follow some guidelines that will help encourage physical activity in boys and girls, as this is when acquire the habits of life more easily.

Scientific evidence points to this regular practice of physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits in children and adolescents at all levels (especially physical, psychological and social) and is essential for proper growth and development in childhood.

Some advice to promote physical activity in boys and girls:

• It is important that they do physical activity since childhood. For example, a walk in the neighborhood, spontaneous outdoor play and walk/play in the park.

• To be diverse in the possibilities of movement. For exampledancing or playing ball (football, basketball, table tennis, volleyball…).

• Exercises should be motivational that is, the pursuit of a certain goal.

• Experience avoid prolonged periods of sitting limiting the time they spend in front of screens. One way to do it is setting schedules.

According to WHOboys and girls and teenagers aged 15-17 should spend at least 60 minutes a day moderate to intense physical activities, mainly aerobics

Also, they should include vigorous aerobic activities, as well as those that strengthen muscles and bones, at least three days a week.

Psychomotive exercises

It is also important that your physical activity includes psychomotor exercises, coordination, balance and sense of rhythm and space, especially up to 8 years.

From this age and until age 12, exercise should support their growth promoting endurance, strength and flexibility. It might be a good time to play team sports. It is important that children play sports, that is, play and be physically active, which will help improve their health.

Finally, it is important to emphasize the importance of family physical activities. Among the benefits, it not only unites its members but also serves as an example and will create a set of habits which will form your personality Y They will protect your health.

Habits acquired in childhood often become a personality trait and lasts a lifetime. For this reason, we recommend physical activity is part of the family’s daily activities:

• Exercise as a family. For example, we could go for a run and join us on a bike.

• participate in active play in the park. Joining their games, especially if they ask us, is a way to appreciate physical activity.

• be an example. It is much easier to convey the meaning of a habit when it is practiced as a family and by all the people who make it up.