The Importance of Exercise and Healthy Eating
It is with great interest that we are following the progress of local celebrity Gary O Hanlon on RTÉs Operation Transformation. We are delighted to see him doing so well but also highlighting the important role of exercise and healthy eating in our everyday lives.
The benefits of being active and eating healthy cannot be over-emphasised. Being active helps release chemicals in your brain (endorphins), which have a positive effect on your mood, not to mention the benefits to your heart, lungs, muscles and bones. Getting out and being active is also a great way to manage stress. Combine this with a healthy diet and the result is better healthy overall.
On their website, Safefood, have excellent resources for adults and children to help you with learning about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Visit their website at www.safefood.eu.
National Physical Activity Plan
Last year, the Government launched Ireland’s first ever National Physical Activity Plan which aims to get at least half a million more Irish families taking regular exercise within ten years. As part of this plan the www.getactive.ie website was launched which is a good resource for families. It has lots of tips on how to get started and get more active, and information on clubs, groups and activities in your area.
Physical activity helps a child to…
- Improve agility, balance and co-ordination.
- Feel more energised – endorphins are released into your bloodstream during activity.
- Feel happier, by reducing feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.
- Burn and generate more energy
- Improves physical and mental wellbeing.
- Helps maintain healthy weight.
- Prevents sickness and illness because physical activity can help build a healthy heart, develop strong muscles and bones and may help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases that may occur in later life.
- Improve concentration.
- Improve self-esteem and helps you feel good about yourself.
- Helps develop friendships.
(source: www.getactive.ie)
Being active and healthy is fun for all the family. Research shows that children whose parents are active are more than 5 times as likely to be active than those whose parents are not.
Remember any level of activity is better for health than none.
Children and young people should be active at least 60 minutes moderate intensity activity daily. All activity no matter how short counts
Children and young people with disabilities
At least 60 minutes moderate intensity activity or as much as ability allows daily. All activity no matter how short counts.
You can follow Gary’s progress here. We wish him the best of luck in the remainder of the series.
For more information visit any of the websites below:
