The effect of exercise on health is profound. It can protect you from a range of conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. But the type and amount of exercise you should do changes as you age. To ensure that you are doing the right type of exercise for your age, follow this simple guide. Childhood and adolescence In childhood, exercise helps control body weight, builds healthy bones and promotes self-confidence and healthy sleep patterns. It is recommended that children should get at least one hour of exercise a day. As a tip: Children should try a variety of sports and develop skills, such as swimming and the ability to hit and kick a ball. Lots of nonscheduled physical activity is great, too, such as playing in playgrounds. Exercise habits tend to steadily decline during teen years, particularly in girls. Getting enough exercise promotes a healthy body image and helps manage stress and anxiety. You can also: Encourage teenagers to keep one team sport, ...

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