Physical activity is essential to the holistic development of a student. Lack of physical activity leads to obesity and obesity is a condition in which a child is significantly overweight for his or her age and height. Obesity in childhood can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol and only symptom could be the weight that’s above normal. Most children suffer from obesity, which is due to the over-consumption of junk food. Reorienting the entire family’s diet and exercise habits is one of the best ways to achieve a healthy weight in the child. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the rate of childhood obesity has tripled over the past 30 years. People with obesity are at increased risk of suffering from cancer rather than regular smokers, according to British charity involved in research work related to cancer.
Obese children and teenagers are found as at greater risk for diseases like; high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, bone, and joint problems. When they grow up as adults, they are more likely to develop serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer. Research also confirms that obesity can lower one’s self-esteem. Schools, where kids spend more than six hours of the day, have a responsibility to provide an environment conducive to both mental, and physical developments. More than lecture-based academics; sports, and physical education is the only media that help students to learn a healthier lifestyle, avoid health problems and build their confidence.
Physical education classes or games should be compulsorily held to ensure physical activity daily. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children and adolescents (ages 6-17) get at least one hour of physical activity a day.
Sports and physical education have many other benefits as well. Research shows those children who participate in sports tend to do better in academics and are less likely to engage in drug, smoking and alcohol abuse. Sports also enhance a child’s social skills by promoting a sense of belonging and motivate them to perform at a higher level not only in sports but also in their own lives.
Society is increasingly becoming aware of the importance of being physically active. Research shows that being active is essential to the well-being of a person. Teachers, parents, and society should accept the responsibility of keeping kids active, and the importance of doing it a lifelong practice.