Why our children and young people should be more active

The British Heart Foundation state that frequent physical activity can help keep children healthy and happy by:

• improving health - physical activity can help build a healthy heart, develop strong muscles and bones and may help reduce their risk of some chronic diseases later in life
• reducing body fat - the number of young people in the UK who are obese is increasing and obesity can have a significant effect on health, including the development of diabetes
• reducing anxiety and stress
• helping children feel good about themselves
• improving social and moral development.

Headline results from research conducted with 9,000 children and young people in Derby during summer 2006

• 57% of five to 16 year olds in Derby do not achieve the recommended seven hours of moderate physical activity a week.
• Of the five to 16 years olds who do achieve 7 hours of moderate physical activity a week they average 89 minutes of activity a day.
• Of the five to 16 year olds who do not achieve 7 hours a week, they average 16 minutes of activity a day.
• 50% of males and 66.3% of females do not achieve 7 hours a week.

If you would like more information on the research and the results contact:

Tracey McDonnell, Getting Derby Active Principal Development Manager
Tel: 01332 715659, e-mail: tracey.mcdonnell@derby.gov.uk