Letters: Kids need physical activity for health

Letter to the Appleton Post Crescent.

It's time we change the numbers facing our kids: According to the American Heart Association, one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963.

Because of these increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation of kids that will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

So what are we doing in Wisconsin to teach kids the skills they need to live a healthier, active life?

Children spend most of their day in school. So, it makes sense our kids have access to comprehensive physical education courses and healthy foods in and out of the classroom.
Appleton East High School and the Outagamie County Fitness and Nutrition Coalition are piloting Active Schools strategies such as Bike to School Week, intramurals, ping pong club, boxing club, zumba dance club, tracking daily exercise with use of pedometers and school tubing trips to increase options for physical activity before, during and after school hours.

To keep kids healthy and fit, it's recommended that they engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. Not only does it keep their bodies active, but it keeps their minds active, too.

Regular physical activity is associated with a healthier, longer life and lower risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and some cancers. Research also shows effective physical education programs actually improve academic performance.

As a concerned citizen, I want to make sure our kids learn all the essential skills to live a healthy active life.

Ben Stumpf,
Neenah