Helping children be active during the epidemic season

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Phan Ngoc Hai - Doctor of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

The complicated situation of the Covid-19 epidemic has become the top concern of parents about the health of their children. In addition to nutritional supplements to strengthen children's resistance, exercise is also one of the effective methods to help improve the body's resistance to disease. Children who are active every day not only help develop physically, but also bring mental benefits, helping children to be more active and creative. Therefore, many parents wonder how to use exercises for their children to get the best results. Therefore, the following article will give you an overview of the methods to help children be active during the epidemic season.

Recent studies show that Vietnam is one of the 10 most sedentary countries in the world with only 15% of people exercising 30 minutes a day. As for children, most Vietnamese children spend more than 3 hours a day watching TV and playing video games. This comes from the fact that parents do not have the right judgment about letting their children be physically active, but only focus on learning other subjects at school, some parents do not have enough time for their children. exercise outside of school hours as well as not understanding the exercises for children . In addition, the time for physical education at school is only about 90 minutes per week. Therefore, parents should find ways for children to be more active. According to many studies, physical activity in young children brings many great benefits:
Increases bone strength: bone density in children who exercise regularly is higher than in the other group, so children will avoid risk of osteoporosis later in life. Maintain a fit body: For children to exercise regularly every day to help release excess energy that children consume every day, reduce the risk of fat accumulation and stabilize weight. Stabilize blood sugar: When children exercise, the muscles will absorb more glucose and convert it into energy. This helps lower blood sugar and minimizes the risk of future diabetes. Good for heart health: Gentle exercises for children help reduce excess cholesterol in the blood, keep blood vessels supple, smooth and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and strokes. Strengthens the immune system: when children exercise, sweat secretes bacteria and toxins on the skin, helping to strengthen the immunity of this defense barrier. In addition, some mental benefits are obtained when children exercise such as increasing creativity, memory, improving emotions, reducing anxiety, stress, improving learning ability ..
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2.1. Swimming is one of the methods to help children grow to their maximum height by stimulating the secretion of growth hormones. Children who were taught to swim at an early age helped develop motor skills and language earlier than the other group. In addition, giving children swimming lessons makes them happy, independent and easy to adapt to different environmental conditions. More importantly, swimming is a useful life skill in dangerous situations.
2.2. Cycling Cycling is a gentle yet highly effective exercise for children. You can accompany your child to cycle around the living area. This not only helps children to be physically active but also helps them explore their surroundings, thereby stimulating their ability to explore and learn as well as increase their confidence. Cycling requires children to be very skillful, have flexible coordination between legs, hands and eyes as well as meticulously observe the surrounding environment.
2.3. Playing badminton Another popular exercise for children is playing badminton. This sport requires children to have flexible hands and keen observation ability. Playing badminton not only helps children move, but also tightens the feelings between family members, bringing laughter after stressful working and studying hours.
2.4. Play at the park On weekends, the whole family can go to the park to play. Children can freely play, run and jump in a spacious, airy space and fresh air. In addition, children also have the opportunity to interact with many new things, increase their ability to communicate, start conversations with other children, explore and learn about the surrounding environment (animals, trees, ... in the environment). Park).
2.5. Play hide and seek Hide and seek is a simple, convenient game that you can play with your kids at home. This game helps children move physically (run away) and also mentally (skills to find a place to hide, find other people, ...).
Exercises for children to be active during the epidemic season are simple but bring unexpected benefits. It is important that you become a companion to your child in this process.