Physical Activity and Children Resource: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/ Physical activity reduces the risk of premature mortality in general, and of coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus in particular. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence improves strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight, reduces anxiety and stress, increases self-esteem, and may improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Positive experiences with physical activity at a young age help lay the basis for being regularly active throughout life. The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture recommend that young people (ages 6–19) engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. In 2005, 36% of high school students had participated in at least 60 minutes per day of physical activity on 5 or more of the last 7 days, and only 33% attended physical education class daily. Participation in physical activity declines strikingly as children age. <<< Back to Statistics