Tips to get children excited about exercise
Human beings need to engage in physical activity to stay healthy. But too many children are not getting the exercise they need. Only 50 percent of boys and less than 34 percent of girls between the ages of 12 and 15 are adequately fit, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children who are not physically fit are at greater risk for chronic diseases. In addition, children who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of retaining that extra weight into adulthood. Getting children to exercise regularly can be an uphill battle with so many distractions, such as electronic devices, vying for their attention. But parents can explore the following ways to get children more excited about physical activity.
• Choose interactive toys. Select toys for kids that require movement. These can include sporting activities, scooters, bicycles, and even video games that involve physical activity. Kids will be
moving while they play, which is a first step.
• Set an example. Children may be more likely to embrace physical activity if they see their parents exercising regularly. Adults can share their passions for activities that encourage movement, whether it is hiking, heading to the gym, swimming, or rock scrambling.
• Make it a contest. People can be very competitive, especially young children. If kids know there is a prize or reward attached to doing something, they may have more motivation to engage with it. Offer a prize to the person who can log the most minutes of physical activity each week.
• Make things social. The more people involved in an activity, the greater the chance kids will want to be involved. Therefore, invite their friends, cousins, classmates, and other relatives to participate.
• Look for new ways to exercise. Plan vacations and day trips around an activity. Perhaps the family can learn how to surf or snorkel on a trip; otherwise, a trip to the zoo or a museum can involve a lot of walking.
• Find reasons to walk. Kids and parents can walk to or from school each day to get exercise. Parking further away from stores ensures some extra steps as well. Take the stairs in malls instead of elevators or escalators.
• Encourage participation in team sports. Afterschool athletics often involve multiple days of practices and games or meets, which can be all the exercise a kid needs to be healthy. Athletics also present a fun way to exercise with friends. Kids need physical activity to stay healthy, and there are various ways to make them more inclined to be active.
How social media affects kids’ mental health
Social media has become such a key component of most people’s lives that it is easy to think that it as always been there. SixDegrees, created in 1997, was the first social media site similar to the format known today. When SixDegrees shut down in 2001, Friendster, LinkedIn, MySpace, and Facebook soon took root. The University of Maine reports there are now 4.8 billion social media users worldwide, representing 92.7 percent of all internet users. And according to the American Family Survey 2023, 96 percent of parents say their kids have access to at least one social media platform. Many use multiple online platforms daily.
Although social media may have originated as a means to bring people together, there are many who argue that it actually does the opposite. Instances of cyberbullying, which is a form of online harassment, have grown as social media has become more pervasive. Some experts believe that mental health
concerns are an unexpected side effect of increased social media use, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. In fact, in the spring of 2023, United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, released an advisory that suggested social media is harmful to young people. In 2024, Dr. Murthy called for a surgeon general’s warning label on social media not unlike the warnings on cigarette packages.
How might social media affect children’s mental health? Here are some of the main concerns.
• Changes in a developing brain: According to the Surgeon General’s report, children’s brains go through a highly sensitive period of development between the ages of 10 and 19, when feelings of selfworth are forming. Frequent social media use may affect these feelings as children compare themselves to others they see online. In addition, functions like emotional learning, impulse control and emotional
regulation may be affected.
• Development of depression: Johns Hopkins Medicine says research has demonstrated there are high rates of depression attributed to very low social media use and very high social media use. Finding a healthy balance might not be as easy as it seems.
• Addiction: There is some evidence that children become addicted to checking social media, which can lead to addiction-like behaviors in other areas. According to The Addiction Center, a Web-based substance abuse resource, addiction to social media is driven by an uncontrollable urge to log on that impairs other important areas of life. Fear of missing out (FOMO) is another threat to kids’ mental health.
• Low self-esteem issues: Children and teenagers who compare
themselves to others’ carefully curated online profiles (which usually are not telling the whole story) can develop feelings of inadequacy and body image issues.
• Exposure to inappropriate content: Social media may introduce children to content and images that are not appropriate for their age levels and capacity to understand and interpret. According to Dr. Murthy’s report, deaths have been linked to suicide- and selfharm-related content, such as risktaking challenges or asphyxiation content. Viewing this content normalizes these behaviors for some youngsters.
Although plenty of good can come from social media, parents are urged to exercise caution when giving children access to these platforms, which can affect kids’ mental health in negative ways.
How to help children safely navigate social media
Social media has its fair share of proponents and detractors. For proof of the former, one need look no further than numbers, as the advisory firm Kepios reported there were 5.22 billion social media users around the world at the start of October 2024. That translates to roughly 64 percent of the global population, a percentage that might upset detractors who see social media as a largely divisive entity that research has found can have an adverse effect on the physical and mental health of its users.
Social media certainly has its ups and downs, which is perhaps why so many parents feel like governing children’s usage of platforms like Snapchat and Instagram is akin to walking a tightrope every day. Helping children safely navigate social media is no small task, but finding a way to do so can have a profound impact on youngsters’ health. The American Psychological Association offers the following recommendations to parents and
caregivers concerned about the safety of youngsters using social media.
• Recognize social media features that can be especially harmful. The APA notes that children can learn new social skills and communication strategies on social media. That’s a notable benefit of social media usage, but there are some harmful components that can be particularly detrimental to children’s still-developing brains. The APA highlights like buttons and the use of artificial intelligence as particularly harmful features because they promote excessive scrolling. Adolescents may be especially vulnerable in this regard, as the APA notes that the brain undergoes dramatic developmental changes during adolescence, when areas of the brain associated with a desire for attention from peers become more and more sensitive. Social media can exploit that need, which is even
more dangerous because the parts of the brain that govern self-control do not fully develop until early adulthood. Parents can limit usage of platforms that tally likes and set screen limits to minimize excessive scrolling.
• Monitor usage and maintain a dialogue about it. The APA urges parents to monitor their children’s social media usage, particularly during early adolescence. But it’s equally important to maintain a dialogue with children about their social media usage. The APA notes studies have found that engaging in ongoing discussions with adolescents about safe social media usage can help them navigate its dangers more effectively. Engaging youngsters each week also can make them feel more safe and not as though they’re being judged about their usage. Discuss what they see and their understanding of what they see. Parents also can
present hypothetical situations that may unfold on social media and ask them how they would respond.
• Lead by example. Children learn many of their behaviors from their parents, so if Mom and Dad exhibit poor social media habits, then youngsters are more likely to follow suit. The APA urges parents to avoid scanning social media during meals and family time. Parents also can self-govern their own usage, setting the same limits on time as they set for children. Periodic breaks from social media usage also can show children how it’s alright to take a holiday from the platforms every once in a while.
Parents have a tall task ahead of them in regard to helping kids safely navigate social media. But various strategies can increase the chances kids have a positive social media experience.
What parents should know about mental health issues and children
Mental health issues were once stigmatized to such an extent that many people dealing with problems like anxiety and depression felt uncomfortable speaking about them or even seeking help. Though some may still find it difficult to acknowledge their mental health issues, society has made great strides in regard to destigmatizing mental health conditions and recognizing how common such problems are.
Parents may be surprised to learn that many mental health issues begin in childhood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders can start to develop long before children leave for college. Recognition of that reality may compel parents to learn more about children and mental health, including signs of potential issues and how to determine if certain behaviors are indicative of a burgeoning issue or a part of normal development.
Identifying
mental health issues in
children
The NIMH notes the difficulty in distinguishing between behaviors that are a normal part of a child’s development and those that suggest a potential mental health problem. Parents know that children’s behaviors and emotions can be challenging to deal with, but that’s often a normal part of a child’s development that youngsters outgrow with age. The NIMH notes that time is a potential indicator of a mental health problem, and encourages parents to seek help if a child’s challenging behavior or emotions persist for weeks or longer. Kids will not outgrow negative behaviors overnight, but persistent problems that extend for weeks or months
could be indicative of something beyond normal developmental hurdles.
Behaviors and emotions that cause distress for a child or the child’s family are another potential indicator of a mental health issue. In addition, behaviors or emotions that interfere with a child’s ability to function, be it at school or at home or among friends, may indicate the presence of a mental health issue.
What if signs suggestive of mental health issues are present?
The NIMH advises parents to be proactive if they notice signs of mental health issues in their children. Parents can begin by contacting their child’s teacher and asking how the child behaves in school, both in the classroom and on the playground. A child’s pediatrician also can be a valuable resource. Share the particular behavior(s) or emotion(s) that are causing concern with the child’s pediatrician. The pediatrician may note if the behavior is part of normal development or may recommend a mental health professional to further address the issue.
Is an evaluation really necessary?
The aforementioned stigma associated with mental health issues may make even the most wellintentioned parents hesitant to seek an evaluation. But evaluations can set children on a path to improved mental health, and it’s worth reminding parents that issues like anxiety and depression are quite common and nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, a large-scale 2023 study published in the journal The Lancet
Psychiatry found that one out of every two people in the world will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. Evaluation is one of the initial steps toward overcoming mental health issues, and children may exhibit different signs that an evaluation is necessary based on their age. For example, the NIMH notes that young children who often seem fearful or worried and those who have frequent tantrums or are irritable much of the time may benefit from a mental health evaluation.
Older children who engage in selfharm behaviors or those who diet or exercise excessively can benefit from an evaluation. Additional age-based indicators that an evaluation may be necessary can be found at nimh.nih. gov.
Many mental health issues begin in childhood. Parents can keep an eye out for indicators of mental health issues and work with their children’s health care providers to determine the best course of action.
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Kids and healthy eating: Gobble up these bodyfriendly food practices
Despite being pint-sized people, children can have some very big personalities and opinions. Parents know that kids have strong feelings on everything from the clothes they wear to the foods they eat.
Although not all children are inherently picky eaters, most go through phases of picky eating during their childhood development, particularly when they are toddlers. The UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals also says some children naturally are more sensitive to certain tastes, smells and textures, which could make certain foods less desirable to youngsters. Others may mimic their parents’ picky food tendencies. A child who has strong aversions to trying new foods can make it hard to plan meals, especially ones that include nutritious fare.
healthy heating behavior every time they sit down to a meal. Research suggests parents’ eating behaviors significantly influence their children’s food preferences and dietary habits. Given their influence, adults should choose healthy foods often enough so that the process becomes habit for the entire household.
Make it a team effort
Children may refuse foods because it gives them a modicum of control in a world where adults seem to be making all the decisions. When children are included in meal planning and shopping, they are more likely to eat foods that are healthy. While the bulk of foods should be healthy ones, a few treats or special ingredients can be thrown in every so often.
Create family meal expectations
manners as well, says the Cleveland Clinic. Parents can model how half of the plate should be made up of vegetables and some fruit.
Respect
eating quirks
One child may only eat broccoli if it is dunked in ketchup. Another might only embrace a turkey sandwich if it is cut into triangles. Parents should pick their battles regarding food. Parents should go with the flow if kids are eating right, even if their choices are a little unorthodox.
Make it a game
Getting kids to eat more healthy foods and be excited about them could take some time and effort. Parents can try some of these strategies to change kids’ perceptions about healthy eating.
Take the lead
Parents can model
Routines are essential to children’s wellbeing. By eating together as a family and serving meals and snacks around the same time each day, kids will thrive knowing what is coming next. Mealtime is a good time to talk about healthy eating habits and table
Incorporate some fun into meals by encouraging children to come up with funny names for their foods, however ridiculous they may be. Make competitions of healthy eating by seeing who can eat the most vegetables during the week and earn a prize. Kids likely will respond better to these positive choices rather than ultimatums about foods they “have” to eat.
Healthy eating may not come easily to all children, especially if they are picky eaters. Some patience and flexibility on the part of parents can help kids become more excited about healthy food choices.
The initial warning signs of MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The Mayo Clinic says MS causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerve fibers, known as myelin. This leads to interruptions in communication between the brain and the body. Over time, the disease can cause permanent damage of the nerve fibers.
This nerve sheath damage will result in various symptoms over time. However, MS progresses differently in each individual case, and the severity of symptoms could differ as well. The following are the most common initial symptoms of MS, courtesy of Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Mayo Clinic.
• Blurred or double vision
• Red-green color distortion
• Pain and loss of vision due to swelling of the optic nerve
• Difficulty with balance and trouble walking
• Sensations like prickling, pins and needles, and other abnormal feelings
• Dizziness and a false sense that you or your surroundings are moving (vertigo)
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
Additional symptoms may present over time. These can include electric-shock sensations that happen with certain neck movements. Also, trouble with bowel and bladder function and sexual function may occur. Loss of feeling and hearing or vision loss may occur as well.
Johns Hopkins says about half of all people with MS will have cognitive problems linked to the disease, such as difficulty focusing and maintaining attention. Memory issues and poor judgment also can occur.
Should a person experience any of these symptoms, it is not necessarily an early warning sign of MS. However, it is worth having a conversation with a doctor about what one is experiencing. There isn’t one test used to diagnose MS, and a person must have had at least two attacks at least one month apart to be diagnosed with the disease. A person also must have more than one area of damage to the central nervous system myelin. A health care provider can conduct a neurological exam and learn more.
The basics of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. These parts of the body are the tail end of the digestive system. The Canadian Cancer Society says the colon is the longest part of the large intestine. The colon absorbs nutrients and water while sending waste to the rectum. Stool collects in the rectum and then is passed out of the body through the anus. Colon cancer and rectal cancer often start the same way and share many symptoms and risk factors, so health care professionals commonly group them together.
How does colorectal cancer begin?
The MD Anderson Cancer Center says that cancer of the colon or rectum typically starts as a polyp. This is a small overgrowth in the tissue lining. Most of these polyps are adenomas. Adenomas are considered pre-cancerous growths and some can develop into a form of cancer known as adenocarcinoma. There are other, less common types of colorectal cancer as well.
What causes colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer occurs when there are changes to cell DNA, known as mutations or variants. Certain genetic changes that raise the risk of colorectal cancer are inherited, says Medline Plus. Others occur from the environment and lifestyle. Certain factors make a person more likely to develop colorectal cancer:
• Older age
• Family history
• History of colorectal polyps
• Having a genetic syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis
• Having chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease for many years
• Smoking cigarettes
• Drinking alcohol
• Obesity
• Being a Black individual
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Many people with colorectal cancer do not have symptoms at onset. If and when symptoms appear, they will depend on the size of the cancer and where it is located in the intestine, advises the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits; rectal bleeding or blood in the stool; ongoing discomfort in the belly area, like pain or gas; a feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty all the way; losing weight without trying; and weakness or tiredness.
Can anything reduce colorectal cancer risk?
Although it is impossible to prevent cancer, one can lower the risk by doing the following:
• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
• Stop smoking right now.
• Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Some medicines can reduce the risk of colon polyps or colon cancers for people at elevated risk.
• Schedule a routine colonoscopy to check colon and rectal health and remove any polyps as they form.
The American Cancer Society says colorectal cancer cells can grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels and travel to distant parts of the body, which is why early detection is key. Individuals should speak with their doctors about colorectal cancer risk and steps they can take to lower their chances of being diagnosed with the disease.
What’s behind colic?
The news of a pregnancy often is met with excitement and anticipation. Parents wait for nine months to meet the little infant or infants whom they have only gotten glimpses of on ultrasound imagery.
When the time arrives to cuddle a newborn, it’s known that certain aspects of life will change from this moment forward. Parents may realize there will be some disruptions and a learning curve when caring for the child, but they may not think they will have to face constant crying and fussiness, which is typically caused by a condition known as colic.
What is colic?
Colic is a condition characterized by frequent, prolonged and intense crying or fussiness in an otherwise healthy infant, advises the Mayo Clinic. Episodes of colic usually peak when the infant is about six weeks old and will eventually fade away by the time the child is three to four months of age.
Colic usually is the diagnosis when the infant’s excessive, unexplained crying occurs during the first few months of life for at least three hours per day, more than three days per week, and for at least three weeks.
What causes colic?
Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes colic, but it could be a result of gas production, food sensitivities, overstimulation, a developing nervous system, and an immature digestive system.
Who is at risk for colic?
Any baby can become colicky, regardless of family history.
What are the symptoms of colic?
Although symptoms of colic can differ from child to child,
there are some common features. Usually a healthy baby has colic if they cry from 6 p.m. to midnight for no obvious reasons. The crying is more high-pitched and urgent than other bouts of crying. Additional symptoms of colic include:
• Having a tight belly
• Burping often or passing a lot of gas
• Having a bright, flushed red face
• Curling up the legs toward the belly when crying
• Clenching their fists when crying
How is colic treated?
There is no single medicine or treatment to address colic. Parents can try different strategies to help sooth the infant.
• Change the position of the baby.
• Take a walk or car ride, as the motion can help.
• Play a heartbeat recording or a white noise machine to calm the child.
• Many babies are soothed by sucking on a pacifier.
• Try a warm bath, which can be relaxing and comforting, as can gently massaging the baby’s tummy in a circular motion.
• Keep track of foods eaten while breastfeeding to see if there’s a pattern to colic episodes linked to diet. Trying a different formula for bottle-fed babies also might help.
Colic can induce anxiety in new parents. Learning about colic can provide some answers and make it easier to manage.
Tips to quiet colic
Crying is a normal outlet for babies to express what they cannot verbalize. Infants cry when they are hungry, uncomfortable, tired, and/ or have soiled diapers. But for some babies, crying may be something that seemingly does not end no matter what frazzled parents do. In such instances, an infant may be experiencing colic.
Colic can fluster new parents. A baby that cries for hours on end can exact an emotional and physical toll and interrupt parents’ schedules and sleep. Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Health System says newborns are diagnosed with colic if they cry for more than three hours a day; the crying lasts for more than three days a week; and this pattern has been going on for more than three weeks. Babies experiencing colic often clench fists or curl their legs while crying. Babies’ bellies often are tight and their faces
can redden as well.
Managing colic can add to the stress new parents already feel. Although colic is a phase that infants typically outgrow, parents may wonder if there’s anything they can do to quiet the crying. Although colic can’t be avoided, there may be some ways to avoid colic triggers.
• Food diary: Breastfeeding mothers should realize that everything they eat and drink gets passed on to the baby and can affect them through breastmilk. Caffeine and chocolate can act as stimulants, and dairy products and nuts may be causing allergies. Certain medicines also can cause reactions in children. Keeping track of what you consume and the response it causes in your newborn may offer a clue about what to
avoid to make the baby less fussy.
• Formula changes: If you are formula feeding, experimenting with another brand might help. Babies can be sensitive to certain proteins in formulas. Also, slow down feedings by using a nipple with a smaller hole. Feeding the baby smaller meals more often also might help with colic.
• Car ride: Sometimes the soothing hum of the engine and the tires on the road can help settle a newborn. This tactic also has a secondary benefit of getting you and the baby out of the house for a change of scenery.
• Change of position: Sometimes holding a baby differently can alleviate a colic episode. Lay baby across your arm or lap while you
massage your child’s back. If you suspect colic is from gas, hold your baby upright or rock the child using an infant swing.
• Take a break: FamilyDoctor. org says although colic can seem scary, it doesn’t cause any short- or long-term problems for your baby. Placing your newborn in a crib or another safe space and letting the crying fit go on for a bit while you take a break is fine. Parents also can seek help from a friend or loved one and go out for some time to escape the crying.
Colic can affect any baby and often seems like it will never end. Fortunately, it’s usually a temporary condition that resolves by age four months, and parents can try various strategies to cope until colic is a distant memory.
Tips to foster positive attitudes in kids
Great parents provide children with tools to help them grow and develop into successful adults. These tools often include healthy meals on the table, opportunities to hang out and socialize with friends, a good education, a feeling of safety and security, and much more. Yet some parents may overlook another key resource that could lead to a happier and more successful life: positivity.
According to Informed Families/ The Florida Family Partnership, a positive attitude is an important attribute for children to develop and maintain. A positive mindset can help kids feel more confident and capable. A positive attitude also may assist kids when they’re faced with adversity and stressful situations. Some people are naturally glass-half-full types, while others may need a little reassurance to embrace a positive attitude. A positive attitude is marked by optimism, enthusiasm and a sense of possibility. A child does not need to brim with positivity all of the time. Sadness, shame and guilt can help individuals process difficult times and show they are human. A pressure to think positively all of the time and be constantly cheerful can turn happiness into a burden, according to Danish psychologist and researcher Svend Brinkmann. Rather, parents can teach kids to accept all emotions and process them in healthy ways while encouraging positive thinking. Here are some ideas for get started.
• Help others. Helping others through volunteerism can help children learn to associate doing positive things with feeling good about oneself. It is hard for children to be in a bad mood when they see the smiles on the faces of people
on the receiving end of their compassion and support.
• Be a good role model. Children learn many behaviors from watching and listening to their parents. Children who see Mom and Dad bouncing back from setbacks and exhibiting a willingness to give things another try are more likely to do the same.
• • Brainstorm other options. Children tend to see things in black and white. The adults in their lives can help them see ways around obstacles rather than just throwing in the towel. One option is to set small goals that are achieveable so they can celebrate small successess rather than aiming entirely for the end goal.
• Surround oneself with positive messaging. Listening to music, reading books or watching movies with positive messages can reinforce positive affirmations and thoughts. It’s easier to maintain a positive attitude when that’s all you know.
• Practice affirmations as a family. Life throws challenges at everyone, but some supportive words along the way can make all the difference. Big Life Journal, which offers tools for parents, teachers and counselors to help kids grow up confident, says affirmations like “I am enough” or “I am kind” can change attitudes. And everyone should remember failing is not always a negative. Failure can be the first step toward learning an important lesson.
Fostering a positive mindset in children may take a little time, but it can be achieved and ultimately pay numerous dividends.
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Physical activities for kids who are not into competitive sports
Competitive sports provide a wonderful opportunity for children to be physically active. That’s a notable benefit and one that could help to confront a growing problem of overweight and obesity among modern youths.
Dr. Laura Parks
Family Medicine
Harbor Beach Medical Clinic (989) 479-3291
Danielle Brown, FNP-BC
Family Medicine
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Data from the World Health Organization indicates 37 million children under the age of five were overweight in 2022, while more than 390 million youngsters between the ages of five and 19 were overweight or obese in that same year. In addition, the percentage of children and adolescents across the globe who qualified as obese in 2022 had grown considerably since 1990, increasing from 2 to 5 percent during that span. Sports can definitely help to remedy the overweight and obesity epidemic among youths across the globe, but what about children who are not into competitive athletics? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all children and adolescents, including non-athletes, get at least 60 minutes of moderateto-vigorous physical activity each day. That might sound difficult for parents of non-athletes, but there are a number of physical activities beyond organized athletics that can ensure kids get all the exercise they need.
• Dancing: The National Institutes of Health notes that dancing is both an exciting and effective workout that benefits the body in myriad ways. Dancing is a versatile form of exercise that encompasses everything from ballroom dancing to salsa. The NIH notes that dancing is a great cardiovascular exercise that also helps to build strong bones and muscles and improve balance. Dancing also is a social activity, which means it can provide many of the same benefits related to social interactions that are often attributed to team sports.
• Hiking: Hiking is another physical activity that can provide great
exercise for youngsters who are not into competitive sports. According to Piedmont Health, hiking is a whole-body exercise that gets the heart pumping, making it a wonderful cardiovascular activity. Cardiovascular exercise has been linked to a number of benefits, including a lower risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke and high cholesterol. Hiking also is considered a weight-bearing exercise that helps to build muscle mass.
• Skateboarding: Skateboarding has come a long way since modern parents were children. Though skateboarding might once have been frowned upon due to skateboarders’ penchant for practicing in places that were off limits, the perception of skateboarding has now changed dramatically and the activity is touted as great exercise. A 2018 study published in the journal Gait & Posture found that skateboarding helps participants develop a strong sense of balance. The motions required to ride a skateboard also help to increase heart rate, which can provide a boost to cardiovascular health.
• Cycling: Many young children love riding their bikes, and it’s worth noting that an afternoon of cycling provides an incredible full-body workout. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that the health benefits associated with cycling include improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger muscles, greater coordination and general mobility, and reduced body fat. Cycling also has been linked to improved mental health, as riding a bike releases feel-good endorphins that can reduce stress. Children and adolescents who are not into competitive sports can choose from an array of physical activities that provide a host of health benefits.