US Department of Health and Human Services Announces Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
October 8, 2008US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Announces Physical Activity
Guidelines for Americans
HHS released new guidelines this week with suggested
physical activity levels for Americans. The guidelines are based on research
from an advisory committee and are designed to provide flexibility so that
people can incorporate physical activities they like into their daily routines.
The guidelines for children ages 6-17 recommend at least one hour of moderate
to vigorous aerobic physical activity each day. Moderate activity examples
include hiking, skateboarding and brisk walking. Running, jumping rope, martial
arts, playing soccer, and basketball are examples of vigorous activity. The
guidelines also recommend children undertake muscle-strengthening (such as rope
climbing, sit-ups) and bone-strengthening activities (such as running, skipping
and jumping rope) at least three days a week.
To read more about the guidelines for children please visit
http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/chapter3.aspx