The Latin phrase, mens sana in corpore sano, means “healthy mind, healthy body.” Scholars differ about the meaning of this quote from the Roman poet Juvenal, but many take it to mean that you can’t have one without the other.
A healthy body comes from genes, of course, but also from things we can control, such as diet and exercise.
Benefits of exercise
When discussing contributions to children’s health, exercise should be near the top of the list. Psychiatric Times reports that, “There is increasing evidence for mental health benefits of exercise in children.”
The magazine summarized a study showing that children who took part in at least 70 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity showed better attention spans, along with greater improvement in math and reading skills.
Another study concluded that moderate to vigorous physical activity between ages six and eight resulted in fewer symptoms of depression as much as two years later.
Other studies have found that at least 60 minutes of any type of exercise daily resulted in children having better thinking skills, improved moods, sounder sleep, and more confidence. And of course, it also leads to healthy bodies.
February Family Table Time
To help kids make better choices when it comes to alcohol and drug use, they need to be healthy in body and mind, and regular exercise is a key part of that equation.
It’s especially important to encourage regular physical activity in these days when they’re spending so much time glued to electronic screens.
If you’re not familiar with Family Table Time, it is a 52-week family activity kit that Informed Families developed to help families get started on the important path to lifelong healthy choices.
Two of this month’s topics for discussion during Family Table Time are Personal Hygiene and Health. The others are Love, Patriotism, and Endurance.
Sign up now to receive your first kit and each week you’ll receive colorful and engaging Family Table Time materials specially designed to nurture communication and bring your family closer.
If you want to try Family Table Time before committing, you can receive a FREE four-week subscription.
