From the 1996 Surgeon General’s report on Physical Activity and Health:
"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 and helps
reduce blood pressure in some adolescents with hypertension.
- Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
Studies have found participation in physical activity increases adolescents’ self-esteem and reduces anxiety and stress. Through its effects on mental health, physical activity may help increase students’ capacity for learning. One study found that...participation in a 2-year health-related physical education program had several significant favorable effects on academic achievement.
Participation in physical activity and sports can promote social well-being, as well as physical and mental health, among young people. Research has shown that students who participate in interscholastic sports are less likely to be regular and heavy smokers or use drugs, and are more likely to stay in school and have good conduct and high academic achievement. Sports and physical activity programs can introduce young people to skills such as teamwork, self-discipline, sportsmanship, leadership, and socialization."
[From an article by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/physicalactivity]
