3 February 2021
Did you know that physical activity is sometimes prescribed over pharmaceutical interventions, cognitive and behavioural therapies and psychotherapy to treat/improve mental health issues?
This is because physical activity:
• Is cost effective
• Has minimal adverse side effects
• Promotes physical health and well-being
• Can be sustained indefinitely
27 January 2021
In a 2003 study of 25 million kids aged 6 to 19 years from 27 countries, there was a decline in aerobic fitness with kids being approximately 15% less fit than their parents when they were kids!! (Tomkinson & Lang, 2018).
If that was in 2003 - imagine what the stat is now!!!
PowerEd classes aim to get kids being more physically active and thereby improve their aerobic fitness. Message us to find out more.
6 January 2021
At PowerEd we aim to "power and empower children" by teaching physical literacy. Experts agree that physical literacy is as important as reading, writing and arithmetic. Physical literacy helps children to become more physically active.
Here's a great diagram (from Markham Pan Am Centre) that explains the impact of physical literacy
We read extensively to ensure the PowerEd team is abreast of all the latest research and insight related to children’s fitness and physical literacy development. Here are some of the articles we think you may find most interesting…
What is Physical Literacy?
Physical Literacy is when a child has developed the necessary skills, confidence and love of movement to be physically active for life.
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Why is Physical Activity important?
According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is the 4th leading risk factor for non-communicable disease
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How to tell if your child is Physically Literate?
A physcially literate child is a child who is confident with their movement even if they are trying something new.
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How do you develop Physical Literacy?
Encourage active play as early as possible, play a variety of sports and make time for lots of unstructured play.
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How to teach kids to pedal their bikes correctly - Active for Life
With this beautiful summer weather, it’s been amazing to see everyone being so active!
We’ve found this great article to help your child cycle correctly. It includes the basics of how to pedal and how to determine the correct seat height which are very important for muscle development and co-ordination.
How do kids develop Physical Literacy - Active for Life
“Our challenge as a society is to get kids moving again. And to do so, we must offset the many daily nudges of inactivity served to kids with as many daily judges to physical activity.Physical literacy is the perfect recipe to achieve this goal. If we all serve this powerful recipe to kids - at home, in childcare centres, in school, in our community - we can succeed.Imagine a world in which kids choose to move because they’ve learned to enjoy being active. Imagine these kids choosing to stay active in their teens and into adulthood. Even better, imagine them raising the next generation of active, healthy kids.”Here is the full article from Active for Life:https://activeforlife.com/get-your-kids-spend-more-time.../
Why is Physical Activity important for children and adolescents?
Below is an excerpt from the recently published policy brief:
Physical Activity and Health for children and adolescents in Africa: Covid 19 and beyond
Why is physical activity important for children and adolescents?
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Physical activity in children and adolescents has been associated with significant health benefits and is critically important for their age-appropriate physical, social and emotional development needs. Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as: heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
Additionally, physical activity in schools has been shown to be associated with better academic performance in children. Physical activity in children with disabilities has the potential to address physical impairments as well as address psychosocial development, and communities should be encouraged to promote activities that include children of all abilities.
How much Physical Activity is recommended?
Physical activity in children and adolescents has been associated with significant health benefits and is critically important for their age-appropriate physical, social and emotional development needs.
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Preschool-aged children (ages 3-5 years) should be physically active throughout the day for healthy growth and development. They should accumulate at least 180 minutes of any physical activity daily, and this should include at least 60 minutes of energetic play that raises their heart rate and makes them ‘huff and puff’.
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School-aged children and adolescents (ages 6-18 years) should do at least 60 minutes or more daily of physical activity that raises their heart rate, makes them breathe harder and sweat more.
*Policy Brief: Physical activity and health for children and adolescents in Africa: COVID-19 and beyond
How to get kids off their screens
1) Be a role model
2) Use a positive approach
3) Set up a schedule
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Click here for the full article from Active For Life:
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