More Activity = More Achievement

• The opportunity for physical activity is also extremely important for the health of our nation’s children. This is because it has been shown that movement is necessary for humans to be healthy. Inactive children have higher blood pressure and have higher cholesterol than active children, as well as weighing more which contributes to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, colon cancer, and depression. In addition, being chronically overweight contributes to psycho-social difficulties in children, including social isolation, and distorted body image. This is doubly important because exercise can help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress levels. Being physically active also contributes to physical fitness. Regular physical activity in children promotes aerobic endurance, muscular strength, and motor coordination. This is relevant to school because a 2004 study done by the California Department of Education found that there was a consistent, positive relationship between physical fitness level and academic achievement. The physical activity aspect of recess is clearly very beneficial for children; however recess is beneficial in other ways as well.

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