WFLA – Tara Haelle
“Kids in daycare and preschool may not be getting enough physical activity, according to a new study…”Children need daily opportunities for physical activity not only for optimal weight status, but because physical activity promotes numerous aspects of health, development and well-being,” lead author Dr. Pooja Tandon said. “Physical activity, which in this age occurs typically in the form of play, promotes cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and mental health and is associated with academic achievement”…Spending so little time on play risks setting early patterns for physical inactivity that will follow children into the future, suggested Dr. Danelle Fisher…”The more active the child is from an early age, the more likely they will maintain a higher activity level throughout childhood,” Fisher said. “Children also learn social skills in relating to other children during active playtime. Finally, as all parents know, the more active a preschooler is during the day, the more likely he or she will sleep well at night.””(more)