Get Your Family Moving!!!
By: Mary B. Hammock, MSN, CPNP

Did you know that a healthier mind resides in a healthier body? There has been a lot of research done on the cognitive benefits of exercise for children. The Salk Institute found regular exercise to result in dramatic brain growth, specifically in the hippocampus – the region of the brain associated with learning and memory. Aerobic exercise boosts brain cell growth and improves executive function –the aspect of intelligence that helps us pay attention, plan and resist distractions. Other studies have shown that physically fit children have faster reaction times than sedentary children. It has been proven that regular exercise decreases anxiety, reduces depression, and improves mood and outlook in children.
It is known that being physically active helps to maintain a healthy weight through enhancing one’s metabolic rate and maintaining proper digestion. Regular exercise will build healthy bones, muscles and joints. The biggest advantage of strengthening muscles is that it reduces the risk of injuries. Regular exercise improves endurance, strength and flexibility and helps children handle the physical challenges that a typical day presents, whether that means jumping out of the van and running to class, bending down to tie a shoe, or kneeling down to say nightly prayers.
Active children absorb more oxygen into their cells which makes them feel more energized during the day. Expending that energy through regular exercise leads to a better quality of sleep at night.
There are many long-term health benefits of exercises including a stronger immune system and an increased ability to fight disease. Active children are less prone to common colds but also to serious diseases including cancer. Regular exercise increases insulin sensitivity and improves carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, it will lower blood pressure and improve a child’s cholesterol profile. Exercise strengthens the entire cardiovascular system, which in turn supports the prevention of heart disease.
Sports play a great role in the development of character and temperament. There, one must learn and follow the rules of the game, play as a teammate, and develop leadership qualities. Regular exercise develops children’s self-esteem and confidence and teaches them to better control their bodies and brains.
The past couple of decades have witnessed increasing numbers in childhood obesity, nearly 40% in Georgia’s pediatric population alone. Children who are overweight are now suffering from its related diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, liver and kidney disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and joint and bone injuries. Will our children be the first generation of children to have shorter lifespans than their parents?
We know that children are inherently energetic and active, from playing in the mud to rolling down a hill. We know that children model behaviors of their parents and other close adults. We also know that small children are not going to understand the complex benefits that fitness can add to their wellbeing. So, it becomes extremely important that parents become healthy role models for children. Exercise is beneficial from childhood to older age. Focus on ways to get moving and to get your children moving!
Be creative and incorporate exercise into everyday routines. Skip to the bus stop instead of driving the van, count the number of steps from the entrance of the library to the children’s book section, or dance around the living room instead of watching television. Set up a badminton court in the backyard, climb the monkey bars with your children at the park, or run away from your child as you play tag. What an opportunity to enjoy your time together as a family, show your children you value them, and relieve some stress for yourself.
Exercise should be fun. Set a good example for children by being an active adult. Your efforts to motivate children to exercise, as well as to exercise with them will instill a lasting appreciation of daily physical activity and its effects on health. Healthy Steps Pediatrics is helping to GROW healthy children one step at a time. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s health, please call 678-384-3480 and we would be happy to discuss them with you.