How Physical Education Promotes Positive Health Habits and the Importance Of PHE In Nigeria.

Physical Education:

Physical education plays a vital role in the Nigerian educational system, with it being taught as an essential component of the curriculum. It helps children develop the abilities they need to live an active and healthy life, from physical fitness to teamwork and motor skills. It also encourages them to engage in activities such as running, jumping and sports which further help develop their gross and fine motor skills, coordination and balance; not to mention their imagination and creativity. Research indicates physical education has a positive effect on children’s physical and mental well being. It can reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses, as well as improving concentration, decreasing stress levels and boosting self-confidence.

Health Education:

Health education is just as much a staple of the Nigerian educational system. Its aim is to educate children about living healthily, nutrition and disease prevention; helping them understand the physical and mental health issues that affect them while teaching them how they can look after themselves better. It also stresses making healthy lifestyle choices such as avoiding bad habits like smoking or taking drugs, along with eating right and getting enough exercise. Studies have shown that health education is beneficial for both physical and mental health; reducing the risk of obesity, heart disease or diabetes for example; whilst also helping to reduce stress levels, increase concentration levels and build confidence in oneself.

THE ROLE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PLAY IN PROMOTING HEALTHY HABIT OF ADOLESCENTS IN NIGERIA

Physical education is essential for all students, especially adolescents in Nigeria, to ensure a balanced education. It helps to cultivate healthy habits and an active lifestyle. By offering diverse activities, imparting knowledge on nutrition and exercise, and fostering a positive attitude towards physical activity, physical education can help promote positive health habits among adolescents in Nigeria.

Activities such as running, jumping, and throwing can improve physical strength and endurance as well as keep adolescents active and engaged.

Additionally, regular physical activity lowers the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, and helps reduce stress levels and enhance mental health. Through physical education classes, adolescents learn about the importance of a balanced diet and healthy food choices. They also learn about the importance of regular exercise to improve physical strength, stamina, flexibility; reduce stress; and enhance mental well being.

Moreover, they are taught safety when engaging in activities: stretching before exercise; wearing protective gear; staying hydrated during activity; taking breaks to cool down. Furthermore, they are informed about good sportsmanship practices: respecting the rules of the game; treating opponents with respect; working together as a team; encouraging others.

Physical education classes also provide an avenue for adolescents to develop healthy relationships by learning about communication skills; expressing their feelings in healthy ways; respecting others; setting boundaries; goal setting by setting achievable goals with plans to achieve them; having a passionate outlook on life with celebration on successes or accomplishments; taking responsibility for one’s health through making healthy choices and seeking assistance when needed; taking care of the body with medical advice when needed. With this kind of knowledge provided through physical education classes in universities or schools in Nigeria, students can develop more positive attitudes towards their overall health.

Conclusion

Finally, physical and health education are important components of the Nigerian school curriculum. They’re integral for the children’s physical, mental, and social progress. Physical Education helps to advance their motor skills, coordination, and balance. Plus, it inspires them to get involved in physical activities and utilize their creativity. Health Education helps kids to know about the physical and mental health; matters that will affect them and how to look after themselves. It also encourages them to make healthy lifestyle choices. Both physical and health education can have a beneficial outcome on the children’s physical and psychological well-being.

Article by Ezebor Ogbe Godstime 

Mathematics Teacher

Canadian Bridge Academy Abuja