More activity at an early age will help our youngsters down the road

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and Participaction recently released the first Canadian set of physical-activity guidelines for the early years, outlining how much infants and toddlers need to move for optimum health and development.

A mounting body of evidence suggests activity at an early age not only improves health and leads to stronger bones and improved muscle mass, it can stimulate mental development that can mean brighter children and ultimately, smarter adults.

The guidelines recommend no screen time for children under two.

ACTIVITY GUIDELINES FOR CANADIAN KIDS

The first Canadian set of physical-activity guidelines for the early years:

UNDER 1: Babies should be physically active through interactive floor-based play several times a day.

AGE 1-4: Toddlers (1-2 years) and preschoolers (3-4 years) should accumulate a minimum of 180 minutes a day of physical activity in different environments

AGE 5: That 180 minutes should include at least a one 60-minute, sustained bout of energetic play.

SOURCE: CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
http://www.canada.com/More+activity+early+will+help+youngsters+down+road/6401602/story.html