Are Your Children Getting Enough Exercise?

Childhood obesity is on the rise, with as many as one out of every five children in the U.S. being overweight or obese. One cause of obesity is a lack of enough physical activity or exercise. In fact, recent surveys indicate that most children -- three out of four -- ages 5 to 10 get less than one hour of physical activity each day.

Here are some of the reasons for lack of exercise indicated in the surveys:

• 74 percent of parents would rather watch TV with their children
• 42 percent of parents blame computer games and cell phones for the lack of exercise by their children
• More than half of the parents surveyed play video or computer games with their children instead of physical activity
• Half of the children are spending two hours a day five days a week or more watching TV
• Half of the children are using the computer for one hour three days a week

The U.S. government's Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends a minimum of 60 minutes a day in physical activity. But about 74 percent of U.S. children between 5 and 10 are not getting enough exercise. If your children are among this group, you can help them by setting an example with regular exercise, joining them in physical activities that are fun for the whole family, and encouraging them to spend less time in front of the TV and computer and more time outside.

Help your child make the right choice when it comes to exercise. Make their physical health one of your top concerns. Help them achieve a healthy lifestyle now that will continue through their adult life.