We all know the effects of a sedentary life that not only affects adults, but also children in a stage where they are growing.
According to a study by the University of British Columbia, lChildren who spend many hours a day sitting have a higher risk of illness in adulthood like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Most children (and adults) spend much more time sitting than we would like, and of course, what we should. An investigation studied a group of girls between 7 and 10 years of age after two periods of 3 hours of sitting.
It was divided into two groups. One of them remained 3 hours without getting up, while the other was interrupted once per hour, with a 10-minute moderate-intensity exercise break.
The health of the main artery of the leg was evaluated and in the group of girls who had been sitting for 3 hours without interruption, there was a 33% reduction in the ability of the artery to dilate. In contrast, in those who had exercised for 10 minutes, this adverse effect did not occur.
Imagine the effect of the hours that children sit in school hour after hour and day after day. Plus the hours they are sitting at home after school hours doing homework. Another powerful reason to eliminate them. "If children get used to being inactive, their arteries may end up losing their elasticity and will be at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke as adults," said the study author.
At least 15 minutes of exercise daily
Sitting for many hours has a negative impact on blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. And of course, it favors obesity. Sedentary lifestyle is the enemy of good health, especially when we talk about children who need exercise for proper development, both physical and intellectual.
At least, 15 daily minutes of physical activity are key. Children who exercise moderately or intensely for 15 minutes are less likely to be obese than inactive.
If you also practice a sport, great, because the benefits multiply and the risk of obesity decreases. If not, at least take walks, walk or bike to school and that schools take into account that children can not (nor should) remain too many hours sitting.
