Final answer:
Children should participate in about 1 hour of physical activity per day. The U.S. Department of Health recommends 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly for adults, with active lifestyles contributing to a decrease in childhood obesity and improvement in overall health.
Step-by-step explanation:
In early childhood, kids should engage in various intensities of physical activity, with recommendations often suggesting around 1 hour per day. While specific activity levels can vary, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advises that adults get 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, with higher activity levels yielding additional health benefits. Children's activity recommendations are similarly structured, focusing on daily physical exercise for growth and health maintenance, which includes engaging in outdoor play and sports. It is also noted that now, many children have more sedentary lifestyles, contributing to a rise in childhood obesity.
When considering the survey results indicating the number of students engaging in physical activity, it would be necessary for the principal to conduct a broader survey to confirm these findings, and to better ensure the health and wellbeing of the students. Additionally, the importance of physical activity extends beyond the prevention of obesity, encompassing improvements in cardiovascular health, muscular fitness, cognitive function, and mental well-being.