Exercising outdoors 'important for children'
20/10/2009 Getting children to take part in some outdoor play activities can have a massive positive impact on their health.
Writing for the Clarion Ledger, exercise physiologist and professor at Mississippi College Scot Long said that as the evenings start to get darker it is vital to ensure that children are still getting the benefits of outdoor play.
"Play today, however, is not just for fun, like it was when we were kids. It is much like medicine, which is important for not only fitness but also mental health," he stated.
Professor Long added that few children get the recommended hour a day physical activity and so when they get in from school it is important that parents let them run around in the garden rather than keeping them cooped up.
He suggested that blowing off steam in this manner will not only help boost children's fitness levels but will also improve their behaviour.
Writing for the Clarion Ledger, exercise physiologist and professor at Mississippi College Scot Long said that as the evenings start to get darker it is vital to ensure that children are still getting the benefits of outdoor play.
"Play today, however, is not just for fun, like it was when we were kids. It is much like medicine, which is important for not only fitness but also mental health," he stated.
Professor Long added that few children get the recommended hour a day physical activity and so when they get in from school it is important that parents let them run around in the garden rather than keeping them cooped up.
He suggested that blowing off steam in this manner will not only help boost children's fitness levels but will also improve their behaviour.
