In the past it was easy for kids to get exercise everyday – from chores to playing outside, there was always a reason to be moving. In our day and age of less work and more screens, fewer kids are active enough. Only 1 in 4 high schoolers get enough exercise according to the American Heart Association. Getting your child into sports and activities now will pay health dividends in the future.
How much should my kid be exercising?
According to Harvard Health, kids and teens should get an hour of exercise a day. That can include high-intensity sports like soccer, football, cross country, or be more relaxed, like walking, practicing TikTok dances, or taking a bike ride. It doesn’t matter how they get moving, just that they move every day.
For younger children, introducing exercise as a form of play is the best way to get them to be active. Simple things like playing tag or hide and seek are perfect.
As they get older, encouraging them to join sports and try new activities will keep them healthy and teach them about teamwork. It’s a win-win.
Youth Sports = Better Health
Playing sports is such an easy and fun way to get kids active. Get your kids outdoors, sign up for that sports team you’ve been putting off, or take them to a game to pique their interest in new sports.
The benefits of youth sports go on and on. Kids who participate in sports have:
- Higher grades in school
- Better study habits
- More long-term plans for their future
- Higher chance of going to and graduating from college
- Lower chance of getting suspended or expelled
Sports also typically improve kids’ mental and physical health. Youth athletes are less likely to become overweight and more likely to form friendships and have higher self-esteem than their peers.
Sports Physicals at Fairview Mesaba Clinics
Fairview Mesaba Clinics are offering extended hours for sports physicals for all area students this summer. We know how busy life can get, especially when it gets close to back-to-school time, so schedule your child’s sports physical now and have one less thing to worry about!
We’re open late for their sports physicals
Wednesday, August 3 from 5-8 p.m.
Fairview Mesaba Clinics – Hibbing
3605 Mayfair Avenue
Hibbing, MN 55746
Wednesday, August 3 from 1-8 p.m.
Fairview Mesaba Clinics – Nashwauk
402 East Platt Avenue
Nashwauk, MN 55769
Call 218-362-6937 to schedule your appointment.