| Lacrosse is a fun and high energy game that is | | | | kids move and make activity a daily part of their life. |
| growing quickly in the United States. Interest is | | | | Physical education programs are cut back and even |
| starting at a young age. girls and boys alike are lining | | | | cut out in some schools. Children's physical activity is |
| up to play this sport. The athleticism, skills and finesse | | | | limited to that which they get on the playground and |
| needed are pulling kids from all over to engage in | | | | high school students are not opting to take as many |
| Lacrosse. There is a misconception of danger related | | | | P.E. classes as even 10 years ago. Lacrosse is a |
| to this sport however, and that raises parents | | | | challenging and engaging sport that motivates children |
| concerns regarding their child participating. There has | | | | and teens to want to get the exercise they need. |
| been a lot of work to help Lacrosse be a safe sport | | | | Benefit #3: Build Endurance |
| and these concerns can be put to rest. Besides, the | | | | Lacrosse combines the skills of basketball, soccer and |
| benefits far out weigh the potential risks. | | | | hockey into a fast paced, high endurance test of |
| Benefit #1: Increase Mental Health | | | | strength and agility. With a playing area roughly the |
| Children participating in Lacrosse are benefited in their | | | | size of a football field there is a high demand for |
| mind as well as their body. Depression is taking over | | | | speed and strength. The training is rigorous and |
| many people's lives. Children are among the rising | | | | focused. Dedication is required to succeed. Struggling |
| numbers effected by this disease. Although | | | | physically also helps build a person mentally. Pushing |
| medication may be needed, activity considerably | | | | through and making a goal builds confidence and |
| decreases the amount needed. Some studies have | | | | commitment. The hard work that goes into this sport |
| shown that sixty minutes of physical activity each | | | | helps develop a strong character, one that will benefit |
| day is as effective as a low dose of antidepressant. | | | | a person for years to come and help them endure |
| Although activity is not meant to replace medication | | | | other things in life unrelated to the game. |
| it can help reduce symptoms. Exercise also releases | | | | Benefit #4: Social Interaction |
| endorphins and tension in your muscles along with | | | | One of the great things about team sports is that |
| improving attitude and clearing the mind. All of these | | | | you are part of a team. The players work, sweat, |
| things together mean a happier kid, and more able to | | | | plan and play together. The time spent focused on a |
| handle the challenges of life now and develop a | | | | goal bonds the players together. Childhood and |
| method of reducing stress that will benefit them their | | | | adolescence is a time for searching and learning to |
| entire life. Your child doesn't suffer from depression? | | | | relate to peers and form friendships. Playing together |
| The same benefits apply. Youth experience stress | | | | allows for positive shared experiences with others |
| and anxiety regardless of specific health conditions. | | | | and a setting to develop social skills. Children and |
| Benefit #2: Prevents Obesity | | | | teens who can be together and have a common |
| Child obesity on the rise with many youth just | | | | purpose will have a greater chance at success in life, |
| watching, cheering, and idolizing sports and athletes. | | | | as much of what people do for work and community |
| The television is on and the chips are out. Not only | | | | involves associating and working with others. |
| are they increasing caloric intake, but the lack of | | | | If your child is interested in playing lacrosse, these |
| activity lowers their overall metabolism and makes | | | | are only a few benefits they will experience. With the |
| putting on the weight easier and continual throughout | | | | popularity of this sport growing more each year, and |
| the day and night. Because there seems to be a | | | | with leagues and teams set up all over the country, it |
| trend of across the board of inactivity and weight | | | | is a past-time that can continue on throughout their |
| gain among children and adolescence the U.S. | | | | life. |
| government has even established programs to help | | | | |