Health group: Couch-potato kids = more sickly adults

Many school physical education programs have been cut back

May 13, 1998
Web posted at: 7:53 p.m. EDT (2353 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A health advocacy group says a childhood spent as a couch potato produces an adult who is more open than others to chronic ailments such as heart disease.

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education issued guidelines Wednesday calling for physical activity to start early and continue throughout life.

"Extended periods of inactivity are not appropriate for normal, healthy children ... Since most chronic illnesses such as heart disease are a result of cumulative unhealthy lifestyles, what is done in childhood and youth affects health and functioning later in life," according to the guidelines.

They were compiled by Charles B. Corbin and Robert P. Pangrazi of the Department of Exercise Science at Arizona State University at Tempe.

Parents and children get in shape
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TV, computers don't help

In an age when many children are spending too much time watching television or sitting at computers, as many as 40 percent of children 5 to 8 years old show at least one sign of heart-disease risk, the guidelines show.

One reason kids are more out of shape than ever ... televison

The association recommends that healthy elementary schoolchildren be encouraged to take part in vigorous and varied physical activity for at least an hour a day -- and up to several hours if possible.

The guidelines say children thrive on variety and frequent breaks in their physical activity, unlike the intense, shorter, continuous exercise programs designed for adults.

Physical education teachers applaud the new guidelines, but say they can't be expected to give kids extra hours of exercise when some elementary schools only have physical education classes two days a week.

"Our focus is just not there. We are focusing on other things, other academics, and we've kind of lost the physical education part of it," said Debbie Spring, a physical education teacher.

Children need all kinds of exercise ... 153 K / 14 sec. AIFF or WAV sound

Another P.E. teacher, Jim Moyer, added, "I wish we had them five days a week. It's been many, many years since I had any class like that."

The authors of the study suggest that kids do P.E. homework.

"Practice things that they've done in physical education class," suggested Judy Young of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. 119 K / 10 sec. AIFF or WAV sound

Parents can help

Parents can help by setting a good example and exercising with their children, experts said.

An example: the family of 12-year-old Jessica Robinson, who was motivated by a doctor's warning to start an exercise program.

A health advocacy group says children should be active for at least one hour a day

"It's basically for my health, because I'm worried ... I'm afraid I'm going to die or something," she said.

Jessica's parents are taking an active role in their daughter's lifestyle change. They are also reaping rewards.

"My blood pressure was high when we started on the program," said her father, Jim. "I am pleased to announce that because of exercise and watching the diet, it's down well within normal range."

The experts say it's never too early for parents to begin teaching their children the importance of physical activity.

"It's trying to get kids to adopt a physically active behavior -- and behavior pattern -- and so that will carry into adulthood," said Randy Claytor of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Correspondents Pat Etheridge and Kathleen Koch and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related stories:

• Report: Only 1 percent of U.S. kids eat properly - September 2, 1997
• Swimming lessons keep kids safe in the water - July 2, 1997
• Analysis of kids' TV: There really may be nothing to watch - June 9, 1997

Related sites:

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• Arizona State - Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

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