As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your child’s overall health and well-being. When visiting a pediatric clinic for routine checkups, odds are your pediatrician will ask about your little one’s exercise routine and whether they participate in sports. If you’re wondering why pediatricians encourage exercise, here’s a list of benefits to review. 

4 Reasons Why Pediatricians Recommend Exercise for Children

1. Controls Weight

Participating in some form of exercise, whether it be running around playing tag with friends or joining a soccer team, will help your child burn calories in a fun way. By working off calories and promoting blood flow throughout the body, your child’s weight will stay at a healthy level, and they’ll be at a lower risk of diabetes. 

2. Boosts Energy

Is your little one having trouble waking up in the morning for school or getting through the day without naps and lounge time? In addition to embracing a healthy diet, getting daily exercise boosts their energy levels, so they’re more alert, active, and engaged in school and with friends. 

3. Boosts Heart

Cardiovascular activity will get your child’s blood flowing and heart pumping. This action will successfully strengthen their heart function and their overall endurance levels. If they continue to embrace exercise as they grow and develop, your child will be less likely to contract heart disease later in life. 

4. Promotes Emotional Well-Being

Beyond the physical benefits, embracing exercise can curb behavioral issues. By expending energy and honing their fitness, your child will experience reduced feelings of anxiety and depression. They will have a more positive outlook, and they’ll also enjoy better sleep patterns. 

If you’re a parent in Grayson County, KY, and you’re looking for a dedicated pediatrician that’s committed to keeping your child healthy as they develop, contact Leitchfield Pediatrics. Since opening in 1976, this local practice has provided comprehensive care from routine physicals to diagnosing behavioral issues and treating diabetes in children. Call today at (270) 259-5641 to schedule an appointment and visit this clinic online to learn more about their approach to total wellness.