Keeping Teens Healthy - Benefits of Physical Activity

Why does it matter?

• The habits formed in youth do make a difference when we get older. Staying fit lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes—the leading causes of premature death.
• Physical activity helps self-esteem and reduces stress. It promotes a positive selfimage and a sense of achievement.
• Regular physical activity helps teens learn to meet challenges.
• The benefits of physical activity are remarkable:
  • weight control
  • lower blood pressure
  • lower cholesterol
  • improved cardiovascular system
  • increased energy and stamina
  • stronger immune system
  • increased suppleness and flexibility
  • stronger, more toned muscles
  • stronger bones

What are the details?

According to the 2002 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey:

• Older students are less likely than younger students to engage in vigorous cardiovascular exercise. About 80% of 6th graders say they participated in vigorous physical activity meeting the Surgeon General’s recommendation compared to about 65% of 12th graders.
• Generally, boys are more likely than girls to engage in vigorous physical activity. For instance, among 12th graders, about 70% of boys engage in vigorous physical activity 3 or more days a week as compared to about 55% of girls.
• Only about a third of students in 8th, 10th and 12th grade say they participated in moderate physical activity meeting the Surgeon General’s recommendation.
• Older students are less likely to report attending physical education class. About 70% of 8th graders attend physical education classes in an average week as compared to about 40% of 12th graders.
• About a quarter of adolescents surveyed were overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.

What can I do?

As an adult in a teen’s life, you can jump in and make a difference.

• Get involved as a participant or spectator. When a parent enjoys physical activities regularly, teens are more likely to follow suit.
• Encourage older teens to walk or bike to school and nearby locations.
• Provide options, from organized team sports to individual activities like skating, biking and snow sports.
• Encourage teens to exercise for fun and fitness. Get your teen involved in life-long recreational sports such as swimming, jogging, hiking and canoeing.

What can schools and communities do?

• Work with community groups and city staff  identify and promote, repair or build sidewalks and bike paths, especially within 2 miles of all schools.
• Support the development and maintenance of safe community parks and playfields.
• Work with school districts to assure that school gyms, pools and tracks are open to individuals before and after school hours, evenings and weekends.
• Provide information to teachers on how to incorporate physical activity into their lessons.
• Develop school district policies that require every student to take a physical education class each day with a minimum of 30 minutes of movement.
• Support full implementation of the “Health and Fitness Essential Academic Learning Requirements” developed as part of Washington’s Education Reform Act.