Healthy Body
Physical activity
(article brought to you by Medibank)
The Wiggles’ songs and dances are full of energy and movement. When young children sing and dance they are exercising their bodies while having fun. Whether they are flitting like butterflies, pointing their fingers and doing the twist or dancing with Dorothy the Dinosaur they are engaged in physical activities suited to their age and level of development.
Medibank Private and The Wiggles recognise that early childhood is the ideal time to establish good habits so children will seek and enjoy physical activity instead of avoiding it. Physical activity contributes to a range of health benefits, experiences and challenges. Children have plenty of natural energy and need lots of opportunities to move and play. They can easily be encouraged to be physically active through a variety of fun activities that are appropriate to their age, their developmental level, their interests, skills and abilities.
Physical activity has a positive impact on children’s physical development and also on their cognitive (intellectual) development and social/emotional development. Children need to be provided with safe and suitable opportunities for active play
In the longer term, regular activity can assist with:
• weight management
• maintenance of healthy bones, muscles and joints
• increased efficiency of the heart and lungs
• preventing and controlling anxiety and depression
• combating chronic diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol and some cancers.
Combined with healthy eating, physical activity can help to decrease the risk of childhood obesity. Almost a quarter of children in Australia are overweight or obese. Obesity in children is a major concern, not only due to short–term health and social problems, but also because of the high risk it will continue into adulthood and increase risk of chronic diseases.
Furthermore, children who have been physically active show improved concentration and awareness during the day and sleep better at night.
Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, the ‘feel good’ hormones, which results in happier children. If children develop a confidence in their own physical abilities they not only feel good about themselves, they are also more able to enjoy physical activities with their peers.
For more information on physical activity for children, please visit Wiggle into Health (wiggleintohealth.com). Information provided courtesy of Medibank Private & The Wiggles.