The Three Elements of Fitness

Here is a great excerpt from Kidshealth.org about the importance of physical activity that we wanted to share with all of you! If you've ever watched kids on a playground, you've seen the three elements of fitness in action when they:

1. Run away from the kid who's "it" (endurance)

Endurance is developed when teens regularly engage in aerobic activity. During aerobic exercise, the heart beats faster and a person breathes harder. When done regularly and for extended periods of time, aerobic activity strengthens the heart and improves the body's ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells.

 

 

 

2. Cross the monkey bars (strength)

Most teens don't need a formal weight-training program to be strong. But all weight lifting should be done under the supervision of an experienced adult who works with them. Push-ups, stomach crunches, pull-ups, and other exercises help tone and strengthen muscles.  also incorporate strength activities in their play when they climb, do a handstand, or wrestle.

 

3. Bend down to tie their shoes (flexibility)

Stretching exercises help improve flexibility, allowing muscles and joints to bend and move easily through their full range of motion. Young people look for opportunities every day to stretch when they try to get a toy just out of reach, practice a split, or do a cartwheel.

 

Aerobic exercise can be fun for everyone.

 

Express Question: What are some activities that you enjoy each day that could be considered exercise? Reply to this post with your answer!

More Body Trivia!

Can you answer these human body questions correctly? Check your answers at the end of the post to see if you answered them correctly.

The largest part of the human brain is the:

A. Medulla oblongata
B. Cerebellum
C. Cerebrum
D. Brain stem

 

 

What makes bones strong?

A. Silica
B. Cartilage
C. Blood and marrow
D. Calcium and phosphorous

 

 

The main part of hemoglobin (protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) is:

A. Chlorine
B. Iron
C. Calcium
D. Gold

 

 

 

Answer Key:

 

The largest part of the human brain is the cerebrum. It controls higher mental functions, such as thought, reason, emotion, and memory.

 

What makes bones so strong? Calcium and phosphorous. Foods like cheese or dairy products, sunflower seeds and soy beans are good sources of phosphorous and calcium. 

 

The main part of hemoglobin is iron.

WebMD: Bad Dental Habits

Forgetting the Basics

In order to maintain good oral hygiene, it’s important to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, eat a well-balanced diet and visit your dentist for regular check-ups with a dentist. Not only does brushing your teeth help prevent tooth decay (destruction of tooth structure), it also helps prevent gum disease, which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. Regular check-ups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene. Removing tooth stains and avoiding bad breath are added benefits of brushing and flossing your teeth.

Gummy Candy

All sugary treats promote tooth decay, but some candies are harder to bare. Gummies stick in the teeth, keeping the sugar and resulting acids in contact with your enamel (hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth) for hours. If your day just isn't the same without a gummy critter, pop a couple during a meal instead of as a separate snack. More saliva is produced during meals, which helps rinse away candy bits and acids

Playing Sports Without a Mouth Guard

Whether you play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don't get in the game without a mouth guard. This is a piece of molded plastic that protects the upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough. Self-fitting mouth guards may be purchased at a store, or you can have one custom made by your dentist.

For more dental habits to avoid, visit webmd's website.

Fruit: Color Coded

Red fruits help keep your heart strong.


Blue and purple fruits help your memory.


 

Orange fruits help keep your eyes healthy.

Yellow fruits help keep you from getting sick.


Green fruits help make your bones and teeth strong.

 

 

 

Express Question: What fruits do you enjoy eating the most? Reply to this post with your answers!