President Bush's "Healthier U.S. Initiative" gets high marks for children,
according to physical therapists from the American Physical Therapy Association
(APTA).
"Even though school is out for the summer, children's physical activity should
not take a summer break," says APTA President Ben F Massey Jr, PT. "Physical
therapists are one hundred percent behind the President's efforts to help the
nation become stronger and healthier. This is especially important for
children, who are developing fitness habits that will likely last a lifetime."
According to physical therapist Heidi Jo Young, PT, MS, PCS, chairperson of the
APTA Section on Pediatrics' Sports and Fitness Special Interest Group, children
must engage in sustained exercise to stay fit and healthy. "Children need
between 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical exercise each day, the amount
recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General."
Physical therapists remind parents that sustained physical activity is critical
to children achieving cardiovascular fitness, as well as building bone mass and
strength, an important factor in helping to prevent or minimize the effects of
osteoporosis later in life.
Other health benefits of exercise include weight management and helping to
prevent type 2 diabetes, which studies have shown is on the rise in children
who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Young says that exercise is also a family affair. "Parents are role models for
their children's physical activity. When the family spends time engaged in
physical activity, it is much easier for the child to stay healthy and adopt a
lifelong healthy lifestyle. It is very difficult for children to develop
healthy exercise habits and good nutrition without their parents' support."
The American Physical Therapy Association is a national professional
organization representing more than 64,000 members. Its goal is to foster
advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education.
Source- American Physical Therapy Association
