OBESITY: Recess a necessity
With all the good intentions in the world, schools have been eliminating electives, emphasizing core classes and dropping recess for more schoolwork.
Now comes a report that recess may be just as fundamental to the students' well-being as ABCs.
A report from the American Academy of Pediatrics contends that recess can play an important role in combating a worldwide epidemic of obesity.
As The Wall Street Journal reported, up to three in 10 elementary school children get 15 minutes or less of recess a day. And the National PTA has organized a "rescuing recess" campaign.
One reason to cancel recess is pressure to study for statewide exams like the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. And behavioral problems among students can occur during playtime.
But recess also allows students to test their social skills. It gives children a chance to blow off some steam before returning to their desks.
Most important, it helps them develop an appreciation of physical activity that can lead to healthier habits later in life.
The Academy of Pediatrics report makes the stakes clear:
"Children and youth are more sedentary than ever with the widespread availability of television, videos, computers and videogames."
Minority children are more likely to watch too much TV. The academy recommends no more than two hours of television per day for children.
Children running a higher risk of low levels of physical activity include ethnic minorities (especially girls), children in poverty, children in apartments or public housing.
Childhood obesity must be combated by expanded physical education in school, dissuading children from sedentary activities and providing role models.
Health implications of obesity include diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, poor self-esteem and generally poor health.
Up to 80 percent of obese youth continue to be overweight as adults.
There is evidence that physical education doesn't hurt academic performance and may help it.
Exercise to fight childhood obesity