Some health problems in children and adolescents. Part II. The importance of physical activity of children and adolescents as one of determinants of healthy lifestyle

Abstract

SOME HEALTH PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. PART II. THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS AS ONE OF DETERMINANTS OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Introduction. Physical activity systematically carried out from the youngest age constitutes the measurable element of healthy lifestyle and highly influences the health condition of man.

Aim. Description of optimum level of physical activity, depending on age, state of health and living conditions of the child, as the essential element of the stimulation of one’s health-related development.

Materials and methods. Systematic review of the medical publications with regard to conditioning of the demand for rational level of physical activity of children and young people.

Results. The suitable-for-age level of physical activity is a guarantee for maintaining correct proportion of the muscle-to-fat tissue and increasing the contribution of environmental stimuli to the benefit to body functions. Well organized and diverse physical activities important in achieving physical fitness that decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, are essential in children and young people. Rational and permanent motor efficiency leads to morphological and functional development of individual systems and organs and gradual adaptation of the body to physical effort. This way the resistance to fatigue increases as well as a specific reaction counteracting the susceptibility to falling ill.

Conclusion. Medical and paramedical staff that are morally responsible for disseminating the health culture promotion, including physical activity in the society, should be obligated to communicate appropriate information and introduce models of physical activity in the population of children and young people.