Childhood physical activity increases bone mineral density and muscle strength.
Children who exercised more during the first 8 years of school showed a sharply decreased risk of bone fractures, especially during the 7th and 8th grades. This was reported by Dr. Marcus Coster at the meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. The intervention group exercised moderately at least 200 minutes per week, while the control group met the US national standard of 60 minutes per week.
During their years of growth children benefit from increased physical activity!
Fred Hardinge DrPH, RD
Source: PositiveChoices.com. Used with permission.