Section 5:Physical Fitness

Introductory paragraph.

Physical activity is an essential component for wellness and an important element of the total diet approach to health” (Robertson, 2016, p. 258). Now children are increasingly less active in physical activities. The lack of physical activities leads to childhood diseases, overweight and obesity. Adults can help children embrace a healthy lifestyle by engaging in physical activities.

Explain what can happen when children do not engage in healthy fitness activities. Be sure to consider the impact on children of being overweight or obese, including implications for health and self-esteem.

When a child is not physically active it increases their health risk in many ways of getting high blood pressure, low energy, heart disease, strokes, Diabetes, and osteoporosis. Without regular exercise a child's metabolism may start to slow down. They may become overweight which may cause problems of self-image and feelings of depression. A heart that does not get regular exercise can begin to harden and not achieve its main goal. The blood flow can become poor and resolve a stroke.

Poor physical and mental health issues could have an impact on the child's well-being and self-esteem which may prevent maximum growth potential and development of the child (Robertson, 2016). Children how suffer from self-esteem may have issues with receiving negative comment that are harmful for them.

Indicate how adults can help children develop good fitness habits. Describe at least two activities, such as specific games or movements, which are appropriate and enjoyable for children of this age. At least one of the activities should involve gross-motor (locomotor) skills, and another should involve fine-motor (manipulative) skills. Remember, the activities you recommend should be developmentally appropriate, which includes noncompetitive.

The early years are critical not only to the development of motor skills but also

for the development of a disposition for regular physical activity throughout

life (Goodway & Branta 2003). Aerobic activity is a great way to get children active and it should be done at least 60 minutes a day. Activities such as playing kick ball, running or catch ball are valuable to fine and motor skills. Bone strengthening activities, such as jumping rope or running, at least 3 days per week can be part of your child's physical activity (CDC, 2015 ).

Setting up activity centers in the classroom will allow Children to use gross and local motor skills. One fun activity can be making a People alphabet. Children try to make their body into shape of different letters by either standing or lying on the floor (NAEYC,2006). Another is making them bails which promotes endurance and muscular strength. Examples they can do with homemade dumbbells is taking stand with the dumbbells in their hand and push the shoulders up to the sky 5 to 10 times which is called a shoulder press. Four arm extensions they will stand with their legs and showed her where the parts are holding the dumbbells in each hand the rest one hand over their name. While lifting the other dumbbell behind their legs the repeat each side one by one.

Based on your readings, include at least one inspirational, thought-provoking quote that captures your attitude and/or philosophy about fostering children's healthy growth and development.

As a professional teacher, I will always remember that I am a role model to children. “Embrace a healthier lifestyle for yourself, so you will be a positive role model for your students (Robertson, 2016). I can help them foster a healthy growth the physical activity. As educators, we must realize that physical activity patterns developed in childhood tend to last throughout adulthood (Janz, Dawson, & Mahoney, 2000). By spending time with them each day showing them examples of physical activates for their own wellbeing.

For your fact sheet, draw on the information in the fitness articles from this week's Required Resources and your own research to provide evidence about the positive impact that physical activity has on children's health, both now and in the future. Be sure to cite your sources.

A positive impact on being physical healthy include social and psychological development. It also promotes movement and development for fine / gross motor skills. When children are successful in physical activities as childhood they are more likely to participate in physical activities throughout adulthood. The Center for disease control reported a positive correction between children that participate in high levels of physical activity has improved academic achievement decrease risk of heart disease and diabetes, improved weight control and had less psychological disorders (CDC, 2015). A reduction in suicide has also been reduced by both young boys and girl who engage in physical activities.

Reference:

Robertson, C. (2016) Safety, nutrition, and health in early education (6th ed).

Goodway, J. D., & Robinson, L. E. (2006, March). SKIPing toward an active start: Promoting physical activity in preschoolers. Beyond the Journal: Young Children on the Web.  http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200605/GoodwayBTJ.pdf

Goodway & Branta 2003; Payne & Isaacs 2005

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html

National Association for Sport and Physical Education. (2006, May). Active start: Physical activity guidelines for children birth to five years. Beyond the Journal: Young Children on the Web.

http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200605/NASPEGuidelinesBTJ.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008, November).

Childhood overweight and obesity. Retrieved http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html