Exercise and children's health - A little counseling can pay lasting dividends

Regular exercise is an important health maintenance strategy for children a nd adolescents: It facilitates weight control, helps strengthen bones, and can improve cardiovascular risk factors. Mental health may also benefit. An active childhood may also lay the groundwork for a lifetime of fitness. Ph ysicians are in an important position to assess children's weight status an d activity levels during a routine physical exam. And, with some simple rec ommendations to children and parents, they can play a key role in helping y oung patients find and maintain activities they enjoy, while keeping the ri sk of injury to a minimum.