Many research studies have been centered on the marriage of health and exercise. The role of exercise has been shown to play a significant role in reducing coronary heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and stress. Research has also shown that “exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function” (Callaghan, 2004; Peluso, 2005). The latest research reveals that nearly 13 million U.S. children between the ages of 2 to 19 are obese. One in three (23.9 million) U.S. children (ages 2 to 19) are overweight or obese. Alarming is more than 1/3 (78 million) of U.S. adults are obese. According to research incorporating daily exercise with nutrition into one’s life would help in many areas, especially reducing weight as well as increasing mental health cognition and self-worth. There have been many initiatives to incorporate exercise and healthy diet into the daily lives of children. Why have we dropped the ball on this public health epidemic that has gripped our society especially the young population?
References:
Callaghan, P. (2004). Exercise: a neglected intervention in mental health care? Journal Psychiatric
Mental Health Nursing, Vol. 11: 476-483.
Peluso, M.A., Andrade, L.H. (2004). Physical activity and mental health: the association between
exercise and mood. Clinics, Vol. 60: 61-70.
