Active kids are healthy kids

Kids love to be active. Making physical activity a part of their daily routine is not only fun - it's healthy. And easy.

Physical activity is important for healthy growth and development; it's also a great way for kids to make friends and learn physical and social skills.  Encouraging children to be active when they are young helps establish healthy habits for life.

Australia’s physical activity recommendations for 5 – 12 year olds suggest that:

• Children need at least 60 minutes (and up to several hours) of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day
• Children should not spend more than two hours per day using electronic media for entertainment (e.g. computer games, TV, internet), particularly during daylight hours.

Why is physical activity important?

Physical activity for children aged between 5 and 12 years can:

• Promote healthy growth and development
• Build strong bones and muscles
• Improve balance and develop skills
• Help achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• Improve cardio-vascular fitness
• Help relaxation
• Improve posture
• Provide opportunities to make friends
• Improve self-esteem

What can you do?

it's easy to keep your children active, here are a few simple things you can do everyday;

• Be a role model – be active when you’re with children
• Include physical activity in family outings
• Support active play, recreation and participation in sport
• Encourage and support walking and cycling to and from school
• Think of active alternatives when you hear “I’m bored”
• Give gifts or toys that promote physical activity such as bats, balls, skipping ropes, skates or bikes.

Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing “Active kids are healthy kids”, www.health.gov.au