Inconvenient or not, children need more exercise

Young children are not getting enough exercise and it may be due to the fact that parents find it more affordable and convenient to have them spend time watching television or playing online, reports Canada.com.

The American YMCA conducted a survey of 1,600  parents with children between 5 and 10 years old. More than half the children — 58 percent — spent less than four days a week playing outside.

"There are many small things that make it very difficult for families to get an hour of physical activity a day," said Dr. Matt Longjohn with the YMCA. "Among the factors you could blame are technology, time and money."

The survey also found that many parents were cutting back on their children’s extracurricular activities due to financial constraints in these tight times.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Longjohn remains hopeful that things can change and parents will make their children’s health a priority. 

“Getting 60 minutes of exercise doesn’t have to just come from sports or things that cost money,” he said. “It could be taking a walk, or choosing to walk up stairs instead of taking an elevator, for example. It doesn’t have to be organized.

“Parents need to get creative on setting limits on screen time. That means putting their family into environments that create those opportunities for physical activity.”