Kids who "immerse themselves" in iPads and cartoons for hours? Sedentary life, without any physical activity that can affect their physical condition for a long time...
It's no secret that exercise releases feel-good endorphins and improves your mood.
A study in Norway published in the journal "Pediatrics" reveals that physical activity helps to strengthen children's mental state. The researchers, led by author Tonje Zahl, also a lecturer at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, conducted an experiment on 800 children between the ages of 6 and 8 and their physical activity patterns, via a device worn on the body. They found that children who engaged in moderate to vigorous exercise were less likely to show symptoms of depression two years later.
"Physical activity has a number of health benefits, and this study shows that increasing children's moderate to vigorous physical activity can prevent later symptoms of depression," says Zahl.
"Let the children play with you or with friends. Get them involved in organized sports because sitting increases the risk of depression years later."
Author Zahl encourages parents to give kids fun exercise so they can turn off the TV and start moving their little bodies as much as possible.
Source: Parents
