Mega Doctor News
Physical activity is essential for everyone, but it plays an especially critical role in a child’s growth and development. Regular exercise strengthens heart and lung health, supports a broad range of physical and mental benefits and can even enhance academic performance.
Despite these well documented advantages, only 20% to 28% of children ages 6 to 17 meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity outlined in the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, according to the Physical Activity Alliance.
A lack of regular exercise can contribute to serious chronic health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Today, more than 40% of school aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic health condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Helping children stay active from an early age does more than support a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity related complications, it lays the foundation for lifelong habits that can truly shape their future,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System (STHS). “When parents encourage their kids to get moving—whether by playing outside, joining a sports team or simply staying active together as a family—they help inspire a lasting love of fitness that keeps children strong, confident and thriving.”
To promote the importance of exercise and the long term health benefits it provides for children and parents across the Rio Grande Valley, STHS Children’s hosted its fourth annual Eddie’s Safari Run on Saturday, March 7, 2006.
A total of 283 children, caregivers and community members participated in this year’s event, setting a new registration record.
The run featured a 2K race designed for children and their parents, as well as a 5K race geared toward older children and adults. Both races encouraged families to build healthy fitness habits together while supporting an active lifestyle in the community.
“We’re incredibly grateful to every child, parent, caregiver and community member who joined us for Eddie’s Safari Run this year,” says Castañeda. “Their participation helped raise vital awareness about the importance of physical activity for children and highlighted the powerful example parents set when they prioritize healthy habits together as a family. Events like these strengthen our community and inspire lifelong wellness throughout the Valley.”
Proceeds from this year’s event benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities South Texas, which provides a comfortable, home-like environment for families with hospitalized children, including the Ronald McDonald Family Room located at STHS Children’s.
The event also featured an energetic community fair with participation from local organizations, businesses, and city departments, including Capable Kids, McAllen ISD, and the Edinburg Fire Department, highlighting valuable health, wellness, and educational resources available throughout the Valley.
