By Chester Charter Scholars Academy Healthy Highlights reporters | “Exercise can make you feel good and have energy,” Ms. Nikolaou said.

Healthy Highlights recently interviewed several staff members about their exercise routines and how exercise can benefit kids. Ms. Nikolaou and other staff members said that exercise is important for kids because it helps put them in a positive mood. 

Exercise and activities “are good for kids because it can help them stay out of trouble,” Mr. Demetrius, the safety officer, said. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. Some examples are walking, running, swimming, biking, and playing basketball. These are aerobic activities that make you breathe faster and increase your heart rate, according to the American Heart Association. 

The heart association also says these kinds of exercise strengthen your heart. Plus, it can put you in a better mood. Medical experts recommended that children and teenagers exercise at least an hour a day. 

Adults need to exercise, too. 

Mr. Brice, the podcasting teacher, said he walks every morning for at least an hour because it clears his mind. He said it is a very simple activity that he recommends for kids. 

“Every day is another day to start over” for kids to feel better and clear their minds by exercising, Mr. Brice said. 

Ms. Park, the strategic and special project manager, said exercise makes her feel great. She said she has a back injury and swimming helps her feel better. 

“Swimming is good for your body and it is good to know how to swim,” she added.

Illustration by Ja’Yana, Chester Charter Scholars Academy.