A new study by the Institute of Medicine suggests that all schools in the U.S. should have at least one 60 minutes physical activity session every day.
Obesity is one of the leading health problems in the U.S. and a lack of physical activity is said to be one of the top reasons for this, coming second only to the consumption of junk food. To curb this growing health problem and tackle it at the roots, a new study by the Institute of Medicine suggests that schools should implement at least 60 minutes of physical activity sessions per day in their daily routine, encouraging students to take part in vigorous or moderate activity during each school day.
"Because children are in school for nearly half of their waking hours, the committee recommends a Whole-of-School approach to strengthening physical activity in schools," said Harold W. Kohl III, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology and kinesiology at the University of Texas School of Public Health, part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). "The approach would target physical education, active commuting, before and after-school activities, sports and other opportunities to help children meet the 60 minutes per day of vigorous or moderate intensity physical activity."
Activities such as walking or cycling are some physical activities suggested by researchers, They also caution schools to refrain from taking away recesses, lunch breaks and other classroom breaks as means of punishment. Researchers of this study also urge the U.S. Department of Education to make it compulsory for schools to make physical activity a core subject in their curriculum.
"Physical activity is so central to children's health, development and learning that schools should naturally be involved with physical activity for students," Kohl said. "Research shows that physical activity helps children think faster, improves their cognitive performance and helps them reach their academic potential."
Parents should also encourage their kids to indulge in physical activities by talking to them about the advantages and health benefits of such activities.
