Introduction

Physical activity is essential for lifelong health and well-being. A child can't be healthy if he or she isn't playing actively or exercising most days of the week.

One of the very best things you can do for your children's health is to help make physical activity a habit—something that will be a natural part of their daily lives through adulthood.

 What is the right amount of physical activity?

 Why is it important to make physical activity a habit?

 How do you help your child get and stay active?

 Where to go from here

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Related Information

• Fitness: Getting and Staying Active
• Growth and Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years
• Growth and Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
• Growth and Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years
• Growth and Development, Ages 2 to 5 Years
• Growth and Development, Ages 6 to 10 Years
• Healthy Habits for Kids
• Helping the Overweight Child
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Type 2 Diabetes in Children

References

Citations

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2008). 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (ODPHP Publication No. U0036). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Available online: http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/pdf/paguide.pdf.