Physical activity

There are many health benefits to children from being highly active. However, the rapid period of growth during childhood and adolescence means that their nutritional requirements may differ from those of adults.

Hydration is an important part of our health and wellbeing. Even small losses of body fluid can cause headaches, lack of concentration, decreased reaction time, and lethargy, and can hinder sporting performance. Beverages, including those with sodium can help in restoring and maintaining our water balance.

The human body is designed to move; being physically active can offer a range of physical, social and psychological benefits. New guidelines have been released to help Europeans achieve a better quality of life by being more active.

Physical activity is related to health and lifestyle status and should be part of everyone’s daily routine. With growing rates of obesity and its associated health problems, physical activity is now more important than ever.

Parents’ lack of money, time for cooking, and motivation are some of the important barriers to achieving a healthy diet in children. Similarly, lack of sports facilities, intolerant neighbours, and not having a garden can act as barriers to being more physically active. These are the first results of the European IDEFICS study (Identification and Prevention of Dietary- and Lifestyle-Induced Health Effects in Children and Infants).

In November 2007 a major report was published that reviewed existing studies on the relative risk of different types of cancer through lifestyle choices. Drawing together high quality research and international scientific expertise, this report, published jointly by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the state of the art on the relationship between food, body composition, physical activity and different types of cancer.