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Why Is Physical Activity Important?
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Being physically active helps your preschooler learn healthy habits.
 Health benefits:
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Active preschoolers are less likely to be overweight. Learn how to tell if your child is growing appropriately. |
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Some physical activities, such as running and jumping rope, help bone growth. |
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Active children are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. |
Developmental benefits:
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Physical activity helps children develop motor skills and coordination. Some activities that help are: |
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walking, running, hopping |
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balancing, dancing, stopping |
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throwing, catching, kicking |
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Physical activity helps children learn to feel good about themselves. For example, they feel proud after learning how to bounce a ball or ride a bike. |
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Active preschoolers are more likely to be happy. |
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Physical activity can also help in mental development. For example, pretending to be wild animals lets children use their imagination and be creative. |
As preschoolers run, climb, dance or stretch they build endurance, strength and flexibility.
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Walking, running, and similar activities help build endurance. |
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Climbing and lifting help build strength. |
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Playing on playground equipment and stretching help maintain flexibility. If they don’t make use of their flexibility, it starts to decrease as they get older. |
If you are concerned about your child's ability to move and play actively, talk with your
child's doctor.
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Physical Activity Main Page
Last Modified:
March 12, 2009 05:04 PM
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