Welcome to our June newsletter.

In this edition we share the key facts around physical exercise as presented by the World Health Organisation and share their recommendations for physical exercise in children between 0-17 years. We also show you how children (and adults) can increase their physical activity levels by using a jungle gym.

Hear how a jungle gym, donated to honour a hard working mother with a passion for pre-school education, is making a huge difference at the New Beginnings Day-care Centre in Southernwood. 

Happy reading!

World Health Organisation Physical Activity

 Key facts 

• Physical activity has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds
• Physical activity contributes to preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes
• Physical activity reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Physical activity enhances thinking, learning, and judgment skills
• Physical activity ensures healthy growth and development in young people
• Physical activity improves overall well-being
• Globally, 1 in 4 adults do not meet the global recommended levels of physical activity
• Up to 5 million deaths a year could be averted if the global population was more active
• People who are insufficiently active have a 20% to 30% increased risk of death compared to people who are sufficiently active
• More than 80% of the world's adolescent population is insufficiently physically active

WHO physical activity recommendations in a 24-hour day:

• Infants (less than 1 year) should be physically active several times a day in a variety of ways, particularly through interactive floor-based play and should be unrestrained for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., prams/strollers, high chairs, or strapped on a caregiver’s back)
• Children 1-2 years of age should spend at least 180 minutes in a variety of types of physical activities at any intensity, including moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, spread throughout the day; more is better.
• Children 3-4 years of age should spend at least 180 minutes in a variety of types of physical activities at any intensity, of which at least 60 minutes is moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity, spread throughout the day; more is better
• Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years should do at least an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, mostly aerobic, physical activity, across the week. should incorporate vigorous-intensity aerobic activities, as well as those that strengthen muscle and bone, at least 3 days a week.

A generous donation keeps hopes of quality pre-school education alive

Carol Colburne chose to remember her late mother Lynn, by installing a Rustics Jungle Gym at the New Beginnings Day-care Centre in Southernwood, a Rotary project to which Lynn had dedicated much of her time.

Carol says, “We are all in agreement that this is a wonderful way to remember my mother. She lived life well and had a passion for children of all ages....from babies to those in their second childhood! I share her belief that we need to start better education as early as possible and this Jungle Gym is our way of continuing to contribute in a small way, while celebrating the dedication of my Mother to pre-school education. As my mother would say, ‘Forget fees must fall. Educate our pre-school children!’

Thank you, Rustics Jungle Gyms, for installing the jungle gym so quickly and professionally.”

Click on the video  below to see the children playing. If you would like a similar jungle gym - check out the Salem unit on our website