If physical exercise is a great ally of health, it is not surprising that it occupies an important place in the associations of professionals dedicated to children's health. The Spanish Association of Pediatrics launches the Physical Activity group for its study in pediatric pathologies and its promotion and consolidation as a habit since childhood.
It is proven that the regular practice of exercise reduces the morbidity of children and adolescents, so it is important that we take into account its benefits and try to get our children to get used to that practice.
However, given this evidence, the current way of life, our environment, invite us to sedentary lifestyle and the consumption of very energetic foods, a combination that is harmful to health. Try to reverse these trends, and do it from childhood.
In the last Health Survey of Spain the number of children between five and 14 years of age who do not perform physical activity is 12% (8% in men and 16% in women).
The Physical Activity group of the AEP, necessary
Here are the most important reasons for The AEP has launched this Physical Activity group in the framework of the recent 62 Congress held in Seville:
Physical activity prevents obesity, cardiovascular diseases, psychological disorders, bone demineralization and some cancers.
Sedentary lifestyle is comparable to hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and smoking as the main risk factors for health.
Adapted to each situation, the exercise improves overall the state of health and clinical evolution of children with chronic disease and disability.
But is that we don't talk only about physical health, because physical exercise and sports practice will favor the optimal global development of the child, its integration, the promotion of positive values and the acquisition of healthy lifestyles. We remind you of ten benefits of children's physical activity.
The objectives of this new group are, among others, to develop the conceptual bases on physical activity; promote scientific studies; establish recommendations on desirable physical activity and design programs that include physical activity for health promotion.
We hope that all ends help this new Physical Activity group of the AEP contribute to parental awareness about the importance of exercise for the health of children and our own.
