| health & wellness |
Change the Game PARE NTING YOUNG AT H L ETES TO V IC TO RY by TARA MENDANHA
You’ve seen it all. Blood, sweat, and tears (sometimes your own, but mostly your kid’s) have been shed on and off the field. But has it all been worth it?
Don’t just take our word for it, though. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the pros to physical activity for our youth far outweigh any possible cons.
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stylemg.com
| JANUARY 2022 |
Physical & Mental Health The activity guidelines state that youth who engage in regular physical activity benefit from improved bone health, weight status, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, cardiometabolic health, cognitive function, and a reduced risk of depression. Psychological health benefits include higher levels of perceived competence, confidence, and self-esteem, reduced risk of suicide, and suicidal thoughts and tendencies. It may also lead to better mental health outcomes in adulthood for those exposed to adverse childhood experiences.
Important Life Skills Sports participation also enables youngsters to develop social and interpersonal skills— think teamwork, leadership, and relationship building—and gives them key life skills, such as goal setting, time management, and a strong work ethic. These skills aren’t acquired automatically, however, and should be intentionally coached. Research shows that organized sports participation can reduce youth violence and crime.
Enhanced Academic Performance Physical activity and playing sports also provides cognitive and academic benefits, and studies show a significant connection between physical activity and cognitive function (concentration, memory) and academic behavior (school attendance). Studies also show that students participating in sports have higher achievement test scores and higher math scores compared with students who don’t. Participation in extracurricular
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Having kids take part in extracurricular physical activities can mean a lot of sacrifice on the part of parents (endless ferrying back and forth, keeping the morale up when it’s way, WAY down, and burning a hole in your pocket with all those expenses), but we’re here to tell you that all of it—yes even the 4 a.m. mornings— are worth it.
