Did you know?

The 1996 Surgeon General’s report, Physical Activity and Health, said that “regular participation in physical activity during childhood and adolescence:

• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints

• Helps control weight, build lean muscle and reduce fat

• Prevents or delays the development of high blood pressure

• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.

• The report goes on to say that “participation in physical activity increases adolescents’ self-esteem.

(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical activity and health: report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 1996.)