Sometimes parents panic about the possibility of sports-related injuries. But in all reality, exercise is an important health maintenance strategy for children and adolescents if the risk of injury is kept at a minimum with proper prevention measures. Often, an active childhood lays the groundwork for a lifetime of fitness. Participation in athletics improves overall physical fitness, coordination, self-discipline, and allows children to learn the importance of teamwork. A sedentary lifestyle in young people can have negative health consequences both now and later. The following are the benefits of exercise from Theodore Ganley, MD, and Carl Sherman in their article “Exercise and Children’s Health” found in the February 2000 volume of The Physician and Sports Medicine Journal:

• Weight control.  According to research done in 1991, nearly one-fourth of American children are considered overweight, up 20% from 1981. Increasing physical activity along with reducing caloric intakes has been known as an effective weight-loss strategy, and helps with self-esteem and socialization. Overweight children are at an elevated risk of many health problems, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, growth hormone dysregulation, and respiratory and orthopedic problems
• Bone building. Physical activity and exercise increases bone mineral density, lowering the risk of osteoporosis when the child gets older. The skeleton appears to be most responsive to the effects of activity during growth.
• Cardiovascular protection. Although cardiovascular disease doesn’t appear until adulthood, risk factors can be present much earlier in life. High blood cholesterol levels in children increase the risk of hypertension in adulthood. A substantial amount of research suggests that children who exercise regularly, significantly reduce their blood cholesterol level.
• Mental health benefits. Exercise has a beneficial effect on the mental health of children. It can reduce anxiety, and depression symptoms, increase self-esteem, improve a child’s self-image, and help them cope with stress better.

Source: Theodore Ganley, MD, and Carl Sherman, “Exercise and Children’s Health," The Physician and Sports Medicine Journal, (February, 2000).