LIFETIME FOCUS
At this age, your child should be constantly exposed to new ideas and types of activities. The focus should be on a lifetime of activity and finding something that is enjoyable. Finding an activity or sport that is enjoyable is key in ensuring a lifetime of physical health and activity. It is important to also understand the way each aspect of health affects the other. In terms of physical health, knowing that sleep, nutrition, and physical activity all affect one another. If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t be able to perform your best at physical activity and may lead to overeating because of the lack of energy. The same will go for other aspects of health, they all work together. Another important aspect to include in a lifetime focus is goal setting. Creating goals throughout life will help with accountability and responsibility.
BENEFITS
ALL PARTS OF PHYSICAL HEALTH WORK TOGETHER.
Sleep, nutrition, and physical activity all work together to create health benefits that last a lifetime. Solidifying healthy habits now will impact the ability to keep up with a healthy lifestyle later in life.
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BENEFITS NOW
Better mood
Increase in energy
Weight Management
Stronger Muscles & Bones
LATER IN LIFE
Decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, & osteoporosis.
Decreased risk of anxiety or depression.
Ability to live longer.
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TYPES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Aerobic Activity
This uses large muscles for a sustained amount of time. Aerobic activity increases heart rate and makes the heart stronger.
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Examples: Running, Biking, Swimming
Muscle Strengthening
This is when muscles are moving against an applied force or weight. It is important to work all major muscle groups including legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, & arms.
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Examples: Lifting Weights, Elastic Bands, Body Weights
Bone Strengthening
This produces a force on the bones that promotes growth. Most of the time bone strengthening comes with exercises done as aerobic or muscle strengthening activity.
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Examples: Jumping, Running, Weight Lifting
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CHALLENGE TIME!
create your own
FITNESS PLAN
Try to include:
1. aerobic activity
2. muscle strengthening exercises
3. bone strengthening exercises
INFLUENCING FACTORS
There are many factors that influence our ability to make various healthy choices. Some factors include geographic area, age, community, lifestyles, friends, families, socioeconomic status, abilities, and the media. While it may be dauting to see the long list of factors that could potentially negatively benefit our health, it is also important to know that these factors can also positively affect health. Acknowledging these factors is the first step in understanding what can be done to work with each factor so it doesn’t impact you in a negative way.
FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
BIOLOGY & GENES
Age
Gender
Family history of disease
Inherited conditions
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INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOR
Nutrition choices
Physical activity
Alcohol or drug use
Engaging in risky behaviors
Hand washing
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SOCIAL FACTORS
Family values
Social norms
Exposure to crime or violence
Quality of schools
Transportation options
Peer influence
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PHYSICAL FACTORS
Weather or climate change
Buildings & Transportation
Housing & neighborhoods
Recreational settings
Exposure to toxic substances
Disabilities
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