This week I came across two infographics explaining the benefits of including physical activity in the school day and ways kids can be active at school.
Having opportunities to be active throughout the day benefits children in many ways, from improving their health, helping them maintain a healthy weight, and promoting learning. In fact, physical activity through recess, structured PE class, and other unstructured activities is absent at many schools. This represents a missed opportunity to teach children about the importance of being active.
According to these infographics, though, engineering activity into the school doesn’t have to be difficult. And including physical activity in the school day makes children believe it is important (which it is) and helps develop habits that will last into adulthood.
The Role of Schools in Promoting Physical Activity | via Active Living Research
Get 60 Minutes | via Institute of Medicine
Now if we could just do something about the quality of school lunches!
Dr Parr Says... 