1.22.18: Healthy Bodies Start in Childhood

1.22.18: Healthy Bodies Start in Childhood

Daily physical activity in childhood and adolescence promotes health and well-being for life and prevents a number of bad health conditions. Only 22% of kids 5-17 get the minimum, recommended 60 minutes of exercise per day. What does this mean for kids?

Staying Fit Can:

• Lower risk for heart disease
• Avoid cancer
• Reduce chances of type 2 diabetes
• Fight osteoporosis
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Help kids focus more and get better grades in school

Physical Inactivity Can:

• Lead to energy imbalance
• Increase risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Boost chance to develop type 2 diabetes
• Add to risk of developing cancer
• Cause low bone density
• Give kids a foggy memory and inability to concentrate in class

Flashfit is an easy, fun-to-use app provides aerobic and strength-building exercises in one-minute bursts. Your school can build teams and groups, compete and gamify to increase engagement and reward participation. No special equipment needed – students can move their bodies anywhere. And, Flashfit is offering $100 grants and special support to schools deploying the program. Applications are due February 28, 2018. Find more details and apply here: http://dev-flashfit.pantheonsite.io/grants/

Sources: Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization