Letter: Low bar for in-school fitness
For many years, doctors have been wringing their hands as more and more U.S. children grew fat. Now, that may be changing, with the first evidence of a national decline in childhood obesity. Credit: iStock
Let's not pat ourselves on the back just yet over the issue of childhood obesity ["First sign of drop in U.S. childhood obesity," News, Aug. 7]. We still have a problem of epidemic proportions on our hands, and proactive steps are needed to correct it.
Physical activity is a key way to reduce the risk of obesity. New York has the opportunity to help our kids establish lifelong physical activity habits. Two ways are strong physical education programs and regular physical activity opportunities in schools. Yet current PE requirements are insufficient.
Schools are required to schedule just 120 minutes of physical activity each week, compared to expert recommendations of 150 minutes for elementary students and 225 minutes for middle and high school students. Evidence suggests that some schools aren't even sticking to this disappointing requirement.
The benefits of PE programs cannot be overstated. Research shows that physically fit children are smarter, better behaved, happier and healthier. If we're going to continue to make strides against childhood obesity, PE is the way to do it.
Blair Horner, Manhattan
Editor's note: The writer is a vice president with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
