Leading Health Indicator 12 Physical Activity and Development Florida 2010 Goal for Children and Youth Promote the health and fitness of children and youth, through daily physical activity HP 2010 Goal Improve health, fitness, and quality of life through daily physical activity

Physical activity is critical to the overall health and well-being of children and youth. ^(1-5)   Chief among its benefits are: flexibility, balance, and the stimulation of developing muscle and bones, muscle strength, flexibility and endurance, maintenance of weight and prevention in the severity and onset of obesity related illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, removal of toxins and waste products, cardio-respiratory fitness, mental health through the reduction of anxiety, stress and improvement in self esteem, social skills of team work and leadership, and development of healthy behaviors that will sustain the quality and length of life through adulthood.(9) Classic studies of infants in wartime orphanages or of those whose physical activity is severely curtailed due to severe trauma, disability, or neglect have helped us to better appreciate the necessary and positive role physical activity and stimulation has on cognitive and physical development in very young children.(10-12) Between 1999 and 2001, female and male high school students' physical activity remained the same in Florida and the U.S., and females reported less physical activity than males.

Figure 61: Physical Activity was Less Prevalent Among Females in U.S. and Florida High School Youth, 1999 and 2001

Source: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) 1999 – http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss4905a1.htm; 2001 YRBSS – http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5104a1.htm