Studies at the University of California at San Diego have released figures that show the rapid decline in activity among average North American children. While about 90 percent of youngsters under 10 get about two hours a day, that number drops to scarcely three percent of 15-year-olds.
These figures represent a crisis situation when considered that inactivity will likely continue into their adult years and endanger their entire lives, the study says. Inactivity leads to greater risks for many problems, such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. The study looked for activities including swimming, walking or jogging, and cycling as well as fitness classes, and concluded that less than one-third of teens are getting the recommended hour per day.
These findings suggest that children as young as eight should be given cholesterol-lowering drugs as the decrease in activity has resulted in an increase of childhood obesity. The study appeared in a recent Journal of the American Medical Association, and tracked about 1,000 U.S. children at various ages, from 2000 until 2006. Schools dropping recess and gym classes have been cited as likely reasons, coupled with children’s increasing use of video games online entertainment, taking youth from outdoor play to the living room couch or in front of the computer.
These findings suggest that children as young as eight should be given cholesterol-lowering drugs as the decrease in activity has resulted in an increase of childhood obesity. The study appeared in a recent Journal of the American Medical Association, and tracked about 1,000 U.S. children at various ages, from 2000 until 2006. Schools dropping recess and gym classes have been cited as likely reasons, coupled with children’s increasing use of video games online entertainment, taking youth from outdoor play to the living room couch or in front of the computer.
Parents need to realize that it's important to teach their kids to balance computer time with walking with friends or family, riding their bikes, or getting involved in sports. Study participants were children recruited from 10 hospitals around the US, with factors such as family income and ethnic background being consistent with the general population. The researchers tracked the children's activity levels starting at age nine, and again at ages 11, 12 and 15, on weekends as well as week days.
Up to age 12, the participants got at least a couple of hours a day, but by age 15, less than one-third were as active on weekdays, and only 17 percent got the recommended two hours on weekends. Boys were more active than girls at every age, but by age 15, even the boys fell short of recommended times, particularly on weekends.
One teen who was interviewed said since the social networking sites such as Facebook have emerged, she has increased her time online. This development coincided with her school’s decision to make physical education class an option, and she didn’t take it in her current year of schooling and will only get it for half of her next grade. Fortunately, the teen does participate in volleyball and track competitions, but she admitted many of her friends do not enjoy sports and some were have weight control problems.
Cornell University statistics show similar results, citing that a study revealed the number of students taking part in physical education decreased from 42 percent in 1991 to 33 percent in 2005. Data on 37,000 teens in grades nine through 12 showed that schools were under increasing pressure to complete academic requirements and that exercise was considered a lesser priority, a circumstance that is likely to lead to an increase in child obesity.
Young people today need the encouragement of both family and the education system to help ensure they reach adulthood with a healthy respect for exercise and a healthy lifestyle. After all, they are the leaders of tomorrow and their place in our social fabric is integral with our continued success as a human race.
