The Health Promotion Administration (HPA) on April 19 advised parents and educators on how to encourage physical activity among children, as data showed that more than half of them do not get enough daily exercise.
Exercise is the key to healthy child development, HPA Community Health Division head Lo Su-ying (羅素英) said.
The WHO recommends that children engage in moderate physical activity for at least an hour every day, or 420 minutes per week, Lo said.
Photo courtesy of the Hsin-Yi Foundation via CNA
Children in their prime growing years usually gain 5cm to 8cm of height and 2kg to 6kg every year, but they must get enough physical activity to develop their muscles and nervous systems, she said.
However, a Sports Administration survey showed that only 42.7 percent of elementary-school students get enough daily exercise, she said.
The obesity rate is also increasing in Taiwan, with an HPA survey released last year showing that 50.3 percent of adults were overweight in 2020.
The data also showed that about 70 percent of children who are overweight remain so as adults, the agency said, adding that weight can be a risk factor for high blood pressure and certain types of cancer.
The HPA therefore offered three guidelines to help children get enough physical activity during their critical growing years.
First, “aerobic exercise is essential,” Lo said.
Also known as cardiorespiratory endurance activities, aerobic exercise mainly targets the large muscle groups, she said.
Lo recommended engaging in a variety of activities that are also good for children and adults to do together, such as playing catch, rollerblading, walking and cycling.
Second, the agency suggested gradually increasing intensity.
After getting a feel for activities such as skateboarding, swimming, soccer or capture the flag, the intensity can be gradually ramped up to increase the participants’ heart rate and exertion level, Lo said.
Third, strengthening the bones helps with growth, the HPA said, recommending moderate running or jumping exercises to stimulate bone development.
Exercise has many benefits, Lo said.
In addition to strengthening the body and immune system, exercise also releases dopamine and serotonin, promoting positive emotions, and improving memory and attention, she said.
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