Daily Physical Activity (DPA) is essential in the physical development and mental health and wellbeing of children and youth. The Ontario government created the Daily Physical Activity policy, which requires school boards to ensure that all elementary students have a minimum of 20 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity each school day. There are many health benefits to daily physical activity that will benefit children, some include:
Boost of energy
Build of strong bones and muscles
Physical health
Reduce symptoms of anxiety
Controlled weight
Reducing the risk of health conditions
There are also negative impacts of lack of daily physical activity which can include but not limited to:
Obesity
Risk of heart disease
Risk of diabetes
Poor mental health
Increase in anxiety and depression
Low self-esteem
Body dysmorphia
Risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Although elementary students go out to recess and for lunch a total of 3 times pre day, children spend the majority of their time sitting inside at their desks. A minimum of 20 minutes of DPA can make a difference in their overall mood and physical health. There are many ways to incorporate and implement DPA in the classroom, some to include are:
Exercise YouTube videos
Student-led exercise circles
Yoga
Playing a sport outside like soccer, kickball or basketball, etc..
Obstacle races (outside)
Just dance
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/health-topics/health-promotion/physical-activity/dpa
Brought to you by EmmaD@NU
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