(November 22, 2007 - Insidermedicine) Being physically active early in your children's lives can increase the likelihood that they will become physically active as they grow older, according to research published in the British Medical Journal.

Here are some facts about physical activity:

•    Regular physical activity helps prevent the development of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and osteoporosis. It may also increase your lifespan and keep you feeling healthy longer.

•    You can benefit from as little physical activity as walking or bicycling 30 minutes a day most days of the week, but the more active you are, the more advantages you will enjoy.

•    Talk to your doctor before suddenly embarking on a strenuous exercise routine, especially if you were not very active beforehand or if you have any medical conditions.

In the present study, researchers analyzed data on over 5,400 children participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). For one week, each child wore a device called an accelerometer, which recorded how often and intensely the children engaged in physical activity on a minute-by-minute basis.

We had a chance to speak with Mr. Calum Mattocks, a research associate with the Department of Social Medicine at the University of Bristol, about the results of the study and what parents should take away from this research.

The researchers discovered that women who regularly swam or walked briskly during their pregnancy as well parents who engaged in regular physical activity when their children were 21 months of age were more likely to have children who were physically active at age 11 and 12. They conclude that parents' physical activity levels can help encourage their children's physical activity.

Today's research highlights the effect that parents' healthy lifestyle habits can have on their children. If you are physically active early in your children's lives, you set an example that increases the likelihood that they will be physically active as they grow older.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.