The benefits of physical activity on a child's health are well documented. According to several studies, children engaged in physical education show superior motor fitness, academic performance, and attitude toward school when compared to those who do not participate in daily physical education. Children who are active and physically fit have fewer cardiovascular risk factors than less active children, they encounter lower rates of coronary heart disease, lower blood pressure, and lower body fat. Active adolescents also tend to feel less lonely, shy, and hopeless than do their physically inactive peers (Acalogic). In addition, one study which used physical activity as treatment for hyperactive behavior showed that an increase in exercise was an efficient means for reducing rates of aggression and hyperactivity:.
"It is well documented in both Exercise and Physiology literature that chemical changes occur in the brain after it is exposed to exercise a regular aerobic intervention at 75% of maximum respiration would indeed be an increase over the child's daily activity schedule. This change in physiological activity has the .
potential to change daily behavior. If children, who are exhibiting the early symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity can be exposed to a high incidence of frequent aerobics on a regular basis, then the affects of muscle exhaustion and increased body chemistry changes may combine to curb unwanted disruptive behavior" (Acalogic).
In spite of all the positive results exercise provides, many schools, due to budget problems, are cutting back on physical education--much to the detriment of our children. .
More children are overweight or obese than ever before. The term "overweight" refers to a child that weighs more than is recommended for a given height; and when this excess weight is in the form of fat, health problems may develop. "Obesity" is an excess of body fat.