Friday, April 20, 2018

Should School Children Run/Walk a Mile Every Day?

There's a study by a Canadian and Australian research team that claims school teenagers should be required to walk or run a mile every day to protect them against depression. Some experts believe a lack of exercise could be behind rising rates of mental illness among young people.

Statistics show that the amount of physical activity children get drops significantly in high school. Researchers claim that a 'daily mile' scheme -- created six years ago by a primary school in Scotland -- could help beat the blues. To date, the scheme has been copied by more than 3,000 schools. It is in addition to physical education class and has been credited with improving children's health. It can even be done during a lunch break. The study's research team says the initiative could combat the stress epidemic if extended to older groups.

Study author, Professor Mark Beauchamp of British Columbia University, says that The Daily Mile does not require specialized equipment or unique staff training and emphasizes enjoyment, inclusion and social participation -- all of which happens within 15-minute transitions and during times in the day that work for teachers and schools.

Studies have shown that the prevalence of depression and anxiety increases during late adolescence (between 15 and 19), reaching a peak during early adulthood. This age group has to worry about academic performance and various social pressures. Exercise has been shown to prevent depression and reduce stress, as well as combat such illnesses as heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso
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