It’s no secret that the key to maintaining optimal health is leading an active lifestyle, and this is true from a young age. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children between the ages of 2 and 5 get at least two hours of physical activity per day, while children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17 should get at least one hour daily.
If you live in Brentwood, Tennessee, and are considering enrolling your child in a sport or simply want to ensure they are developing physically in a healthy way, the staff at Cool Springs & North Franklin Internal Medicine and Pediatrics are here to help with a sports physical and answer all your questions.
Physical Activity to Combat Childhood Obesity and the Risk of Injury
Childhood obesity is a growing problem that is also worsening daily. In the United States, according to recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 20% of children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 are overweight or obese, with a significant increase in severe cases.
Childhood obesity is not limited to being overweight; it is a predisposing factor for various complications, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sleep problems and hormonal imbalances
Therefore, physical activity is one of the main tools for preventing and treating these problems. As primary care professionals, we always strive to ensure that children are physically active to promote their health.
👉 Read more: Caring For Generations: 4 Benefits Of Family Medicine in Brentwood, TN
Daily Activity Recommendations for Children’s Health
Meeting the recommended daily activity levels not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also improves heart, lung, and bone health. The main recommendations for children aged 5 to 17 are:
Consistency
Children need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity
More is better
Exceeding 60 minutes of daily activity can provide additional health benefits.
Variety
While aerobic activities should be prioritized, strength training is also recommended.
Protecting Children from Injuries While Exercising
It’s natural for parents to worry about their children’s potential injuries. The risk of injury can arise in highly competitive environments, especially when coaches or the pressure to achieve certain goals force children to ignore their body’s natural response.
The key is to prevent physical activity from becoming harmful rather than beneficial by preventing overexertion. It’s important to remember that a child’s body has natural ways of reacting to overexertion: they may feel tired or experience pain.
On the other hand, recreational and sporting activities done purely for enjoyment and without any other external influences are safe. These activities are important for children’s neurological and motor development, strengthening their muscles and improving their overall health without damaging their joints.
Uncovering Hidden Risks with a Sports Physical
Before your son or daughter participates in any sport, a sports physical is strongly recommended. In fact, many sports in Tennessee require it.
This is an excellent opportunity to:
- Check their height, weight, and blood pressure.
- Examine their vision.
- Assess the strength and flexibility of their muscles and joints.
- Ensure their heart and lungs are functioning properly.
The purpose of this exam is not to prevent children from participating in sports, but rather to provide them with the necessary protection so they can train safely, without any underlying conditions that may be present but have gone undetected.
👉 Read more: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Child’s Sports Physical in Brentwood, TN
Essential Sports Physicals in Brentwood, TN
In a world where a sedentary lifestyle is a very real possibility, a sports physical is the best preventative measure. At Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, our pediatricians and primary care physicians ensure that every young athlete in the Brentwood area is ready to take on the challenge.
We want your children to enjoy sports with confidence. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our physicians and receive the best support as they begin their active lives.
