Final answer:
Children aged 6-17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, including aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening activities, according to the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Recommended Physical Activity for Children Aged 6-17
The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advises that children aged 6-17 should engage in various intensities of physical activity daily for overall health benefits. According to these guidelines, children should participate in both moderate and vigorous physical activities. For substantial health benefits, they recommend that children should do:
At least 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day.
Most of the 60 minutes should be either moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, and should include vigorous-intensity activity on at least three days a week.
As part of their daily physical activity, children should also engage in muscle-strengthening activities, like gymnastics or push-ups, on at least three days per week as well as bone-strengthening activities, like jumping rope or running, on at least three days per week.
Regular physical activity in children has numerable benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic disease, improving cardiovascular and muscular fitness, enhancing bone density, and promoting cognitive function and emotional well-being.