Everyone knows that exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body, but did you know that active play can also positively impact heart health? That’s right—getting kids up and moving benefits not only their physical health but their heart health as well! Here’s a closer look at how active play can help keep kids’ hearts healthy and why it’s so important.
The Benefits of Active Play
Active play is any type of play that gets kids moving and their hearts pumping. This can include playing tag, jumping rope, riding bikes, playing catch—basically anything that gets kids up and active! And there are plenty of benefits to active play beyond just improving heart health. Active play can also:
-Improve coordination and balance
-Increase muscle strength and endurance
-Reduce stress and anxiety
-Improve mood and sense of well-being
-Help manage weight
All of these benefits are important for kids’ overall health and development. But when it comes to heart health, active play is especially beneficial because it helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which can lead to heart disease. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, just one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by up to 50%!
Why Heart Health is Important in Kids
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States—but it doesn’t have to be. Making lifestyle changes like getting more exercise can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. And since heart disease often develops over many years, it’s never too early to start making those changes! That’s why promoting active play and ensuring that kids get plenty of exercises is so important. It’s also why organizations like the American Heart Association offer programs like Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart to get kids moving and improve their heart health.
Active play is an important part of keeping kids’ hearts healthy. It helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which can lead to heart disease. Getting kids up and moving benefits not only their physical health but their heart health as well! So make sure to encourage active play every day—your kids’ hearts will thank you for it!
