It’s Healthy Back to School Week.  All week I will be breaking down ways to keep your family healthy as you head back to school. Along the way, let’s bust some urban myths — and likely save you some money!

Only 13% of Irish children and teens get the minimum recommended amount of physical activity:   which is 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity play each day.  That amount is recommended ages 5 up to 18. (While we are talking movement – let’s point out that all adults need at least 150 minutes a week.) 

School time is busy.  And barriers to physical activity are real:  many children have no back garden to play in or live on busy streets where walking/cycling unsupervised is dangerous.  Families are busy.  However, it’s worth exploring solutions to these challenges.  Consider family physical activities at the weekend and more creative solutions such as sports clubs or starting a walking school bus in your neighbourhood.

Play is important for children, and they rarely need too much encouragement to play — but do need encouragement and adult guidance to set healthy screen limits.  As they age out of “play” and your teen gets older, help them find something they enjoy to stay active. If they aren’t into club sports, check out teen gym memberships in your area or more affordable options available through your local sports partnership.

Benefits of physical activity for children and young adults include:

• better sleep

• helps with anxiety and stress

• better mood

• improves memory and cognition

• Supports a Healthy Immune system

• helps maintain a healthy weight

• promotes positive body image.

• Reduces chance of disease later in life, including types of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

• Playgrounds** teach social skills, turn taking, risk-taking, and problem solving.

• Children who play sports can also develop additional skills such as teamwork, setting goals, and how to deal with small setbacks.

This is very short overview.  For detailed breakdown by age and current expert recommendations:  Every Movement Counts: a guide for parents and caregivers of children/teens

**I love the playground.  Check out these posts on getting the most out of it for your family.