Objective: develop conceptual bases on physical activity, physical exercise and physical condition in pediatrics. This is what the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEPED) proposes with the creation of the new group on Physical Activity.
In the latest Health Survey of Spain recently published by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, The number of children between 5 and 14 years of age who do not do physical activity is 12% (8% in men and 16% in women). And between the ages of 15 and 24, 45% of respondents confess to not doing any activity or a very light activity. And considering this data, it is normal for child health specialists to take action on the matter, with initiatives such as the new Lighthouse Notebook. Although in truth, families should also take the promotion of physical activity among our children seriously.
Professor Doctor Gerardo Rodríguez explains that 'We are biologically programmed for energy saving and this has depended on the survival of the species during times of food shortages'. That is why we choose inactivity and sedentary leisure as soon as we have occasion, but in this respect we are differentiated from two things by our ancestors: a good part of the world population does not suffer from food deprivation (although unfortunately others do), and now our ability to move walking is much more wasted (due to many factors).
The environment encourages us to sedentary and the 'pace of life' leaves us no time to use it in aerobic activities in open spaces. Parents should be careful, and often propose physical exercise to children, because 'adolescence is a vital period of risk in which inactivity is consolidated'.
Confirmed by a large number of studies with scientific evidence: the regular practice of physical exercise in children and adolescents contributes to the prevention and treatment of different diseases and very prevalent disorders that cause high morbidity and mortality
Even It has been shown that the practice of physical exercise, adapted to each situation or disease, globally improves the state of health and clinical evolution of children with chronic diseases and disabilities, also in those conditions that traditionally advised against their practice.
We must not forget that our 'metabolic and mental health' depends in part on remaining physically active. We function better globally when we are active.
