"The important thing is we have to get American children and adolescents active," says co-chair Dr. Robert M. Malina, research professor and an expert in growth and development at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.
"The evidence is very clear that physical activity has decreased dramatically in the last 10 to 20 years," Dr. Malina
says as the technology revolution of the 1980s produced more sedentary options for children while their caloric intake has essentially remained the same.
"Our children are just not burning up those calories today," Dr. Malina
says of the obesity epidemic in children.
..."Youngsters tend to get bored easily so they have to have variety," says Dr. Malina, who has doctoral degrees in both physical education and anthropology.
"In addition, youngsters like physical activities that are challenging."
Experts say much of the needed activity can be achieved at school with appropriate physical education, recess, intramural sports and before- and after-school programs."In this regard, CDC
recommends daily quality physical education from kindergarten through grade 12," the panelists write."Both physical education and recess afford opportunities to achieve the daily physical activity goal without any evidence of compromising academic performance….Restoration of intramural sport programs and expansion of the school day for such programs in middle and high schools may provide opportunities for all students to be physically active."
"We need to educate teachers and administrators that physical education is important for youngsters," says Dr. Malina
, noting that historically when concerns about progress in math and science emerge, physical education and art get moved aside."The evidence is clear, a renewed emphasis on physical activity in our schools will not have a negative impact on academics," he