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Activity levels increase and decrease throughout childhood brackets,It shows a marked tendency to drop during the middle age group almost by fifty percent.(Campbell,Eaton,Mckeen,1999).Throughout society childhood obesity is an ever increasing problem.Within Australia the obesity rate among school children has risen to approximately twenty five percent which equals to one in four children.(Sugarman&Sandman,2008).These figures strongly suggest that the current focus on physical activity has not been enough and it must also include an in depth look into good eating as well as education on ways to acheive this.Within this essay the middle childhood group(seven to twelve year olds) will be addressed within the following essay.This will be used as a catalyst to look at an in depth indication of what developmental factors increase obesity risks,and also to address and suggest appropriate techniques as a teacher to assist and encourage physical activity within the school environment.The essay will also be used to addess the following four questions;

why is physical activity important in the middle aged childhood bracket;what is the teachers role in trying to address this;as well as four ways in which a teacher could assist or prevent obesity within this age group.

It needs to be shown that physical activity is important regardless of the age group.As it is one of the leading factors in assisting with the prevention of major factors such as childhood obesity.Research shows that physical activity is important for the following reasons,Helps youth meet new friends by promoting play on the playground,as well as this it works by building strong bones and strengthening muscles,maintains flexibility, Achieves a healthy weight, Promotes good posture and balance, Improves fitness Strengthens the heart, Improves physical self-esteem, Increases relaxation, And enhances healthy growth and development.Regular physical activity is associated with a healthier, longer life and with a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and some cancers.(Victorian department of health,2004). In order to combat this issue it is very important that children take part in physical activity .Children learn by example and the involvement of schools,communities and parents have with the child helps shape their outcomes in life.There are several factors that lead to childhood obesity

Ways in which a teacher can assist in promoting physical activity include,Develop Awareness: Make young people active participants in the process. We know that youth are far more motivated when they are part of the decision-making process and not just passive recipients of instruction! Help them become aware of how much activity they do now and how inactive they may be. This helps them pay attention to what they do with their time, which is essential to the next step. There is space in the Let's Get Active Magazine for them to write this

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