Holistic Pediatric Association - http://www.hpakids.org/holistic-health
Exercise
http://www.hpakids.org/holistic-health/articles/59/1/Exercise
Randall Neustaedter OMD, LAc, CCH
Dr. Neustaedter has practiced homeopathy and oriental medicine for over 25 years, specializing in child health care. An accomplished and well-recognized author, he has written The Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children and Adults (North Atlantic Books, 2002), a book that helps consumers make informed choices about vaccination. His new book, Child Health Guide: Holistic Pediatrics for Parents (North Atlantic Books, 2005), represents a state of the art guide to raising children with natural medical care. He can be reached through his extensive website at www.cure-guide.com. 
By Randall Neustaedter OMD, LAc, CCH
Published on 07/14/2004
 
Two-thirds of Americans are overweight/obese (including children), and 75 percent of those people have given up on losing weight. Being overweight increases your chances of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Exercise is explored as a safe and natural method of preventing and treating heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis. It improves sleep, depression, anxiety, PMS, menstrual cramping, mood, and sexual desire.
Exercise: The Best Form of Preventive Medicine

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight/obese (including children), and 75 percent of those people have given up on losing weight. A new study in the August 1, 2002 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine shows that even a modest additional four pounds of weight will increase your risk of heart disease. Being overweight increases your chances of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Control your weight with exercise. "Dieting" is not the best way to lose weight. For most people it does not work, and most people who go on weight-loss diets gain back the weight they lose. The key to controlling and losing weight is exercise. Of course, avoid high-glycemic foods, starches like bread and pasta, and packaged foods with added sugar. Don't overeat, and drink only minimal amounts of alcohol.

One hour of aerobic and/or strengthening exercise every day is the ideal; a half hour is essential. Walking, running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and weight training are all excellent. Participation in sports and activities that involve aerobic exercise such as soccer, tennis, basketball, dance, and gymnastics are especially interesting for children, and all children over the age of five should be encouraged to find one of these activities that they enjoy.

The benefits of exercise have been proven in many studies. Weight-bearing exercise increases bone density and can prevent and treat osteoporosis. Exercise can also prevent and treat heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. It improves sleep, depression, anxiety, PMS, menstrual cramping, mood, and sexual desire.

Consult with your doctor about an appropriate exercise program if you have any chronic disease.

Activities like housework, boat maintenance, gardening, and playing video games are not adequate forms of exercise. You might want to join a fitness club and take exercise classes or consult with a personal trainer to maintain your commitment to a regular exercise program.

Children should join sports teams or take dance, martial arts or gymnastics classes to keep them exercising regularly. The most important thing is to schedule a time for exercise. Life is too busy to rely on random opportunities, and your health is too valuable to let it slip away.