August 2005

Children Activity Study

Kaiser Family Foundation; Center for Disease Control and Prevention and USA TODAY analysis of the National Sporting goods Association annual survey

 The average child spends nearly 6 hours a day sitting in front of a television, computer or video game.

The following is a video log for 8-10 year olds.

Time per day:

Watching television - 4 hours 10 minutes

Playing video games - 1 hour 5 minutes

Recreational computer use - 37 minutes

TOTAL - 5 hours 52 minutes!!!!

Children ages 6-11 who are obese:

1963-65	4% boys	5% girls
1971-74	4% boys	4% girls
1976-80	7% boys	6% girls
1988-94	12% boys	11% girls
1999-2003	17% boys	15% girls

Percentage of 7-11 year olds taking part in traditional pastimes:

	1995	2004
Bicycling	68%	47%
Swimming	60%	42%
Baseball	29%	22%
Fishing	25%	18%
Touch football	16%	10%

Ideas from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to get kids moving:

Surprise your child with spontaneous play.

Race to the car instead of walking.

Always be prepared for play- carry a football, soccer, or tennis ball in the car.

Pull pets into games that involve running around- like catch or chase.

Hire baby sitters who would rather play "tag" than watch TV.

From The Detroit News July 31,2005

Also see previous Exercise Tips for more ideas

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Copyright 2005 - Lisa Merrill