Move Kids with Pysical Activity Part 2
George Graham, PhD

Is it true that physical activity helps develop healthy bones and joints?

The body is designed to be physically active. That's how it develops optimally, including strengthening bones and joints. In one study where adolescent girls simply did jumping, their bones strengthened compared with girls who did not. We also, know that people who are physically active are less likely to get certain kinds of cancers, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease or suffer from stress, drug, or alcohol addiction. Editor's Note: Physical activity and adequate calcium are important for healthy bone development. Children ages 4 to 8 need 800 mg of calcium a day or the amount in approximately three servings of Milk Group foods. Between ages 9 and 18 the amount increases to 1,300 mg a day, or the amount in about four servings of Milk Groups foods.

We often read that good nutrition and physical activity go hand in hand for good health. What's the connection?

Sometimes the connection is framed in terms of being overweight. But there are some people who can eat quite a bit of unhealthy food and not be overweight or obese. The same is true for inactivity. It may not be obesity or overweight, but in terms of health over a lifetime, poor food choices and inactivity increase the odds for health problems that may not have occurred had someone eaten better or been more active.

How important is physical activity in helping children maintain a healthy weight?

It's helpful, and it plays in important role. However controlling weight with physical activity alone requires a lot of activity. Activity is important; but it's also making healthful food choices and watching portion size. Increasingly experts are saying that's both are important for preventing obesity.

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