Physical Activity’s Role in Youth Substance Use and Mental Health

Introduction

The US Department of Health and Human Services has recommended youth ages 6-17 years old get 60 minutes or more of combined moderate and vigorous physical activity each day.

Physical activity, including playing sports, is critical to both physical and brain development and health of children and adolescents, and long-term helps prevent chronic disease like obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes in adulthood (https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/physical-activity-guidelines-for-a...).

The content for this article was drawn from a webinar provided by Prevention Plus Wellness, LLC earlier in November 2019. A link to the recorded webinar is provided at the end of this article.

The objectives of this article are twofold:

1. Explore research assessing physical activity, exercise and sport on later substance use and mental health of youth and young adults, and

2. Examine evidence-based physical activity interventions for influencing youth substance use and mental health.

View findings, prevention conclusions and resources: 

https://preventionpluswellness.com/blogs/news/physical-activity-s-role-o...