Improves the brain, tackles obesity… why regular exercise is important
Dr Olaolu Modupe-Oni, medical director of HealthGate Medical Centre, says regular physical exercise improves brain health, manages weight and reduces the risk of diseases.
Modupe-Oni spoke on Saturday at an inter-house sports competition organised by Holy Child Educational Home in Abuja.
He said: “We need to get active and exercise our bodies. Some diseases stem from children not being active. Also being active helps them in their educational endeavours.
“Children need these exercises because it is not only adults that are obese, we also have children obesity.
“Competitions help in the release of positive endorphins when you exercise and it is essential to us all.”
He noted that children rarely exercise but focus more on digital devices like phones, laptops, computer games and television, which gives them little time for exercise, hence, they are prone to obesity and other diseases.
“We live in a digital era, kids are always in front of laptops, ipads, and television and they hardly get any physical activity done,” he added.
“These kinds of engagements also foster healthy competitions, cooperation amongst them and a sense of camaraderie, and provides academic guidance.”
He also advised parents to disclose the medical history of their children to school authorities to enable them to know the activities that the students can engage in that will not affect their health.
By NAN