March 28, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Sarah Melnitsky, Cronin & Company, Inc., (860) 659-0514 smelnitsky@cronin-co.com

As part of its No Child Left Inside℠ initiative, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently launched the 2007 Great Park Pursuit - Connecticut State Park Family Adventure. At a ceremony announcing contest details, Jennifer L. Schwab, M.D., delivered these remarks on the importance of exercise and getting children outdoors.

By: Jennifer L. Schwab, M.D.

The No Child Left Inside and The Great Park Pursuit programs are a wonderful way to spend time together enjoying the great outdoors, as well as to promote exercise and healthy living. Why is it also important to our health? Quite simply, because obesity is one of the greatest health risks facing American children today, and exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight it.

Let's look at some staggering statistics. Back in 1976, when I was in kindergarten, five percent of kids were overweight. In 2002, 23% of preschoolers were overweight or obese. Currently the national average of overweight kids is 33%, and obese kids represent 17% of the population. In the last 30 years, rates of overweight and obesity have tripled among preschoolers and quadrupled among school-aged kids. In fact, the prediction is that by 2010, one-half of all American children will be overweight.

In addition, children are less active than they have ever been. One-third of kids watch more than four hours of TV a day. Young children spend more time watching TV, video games, or computer, than doing any other activity other than sleep. In the United States, fewer than 10% of kids receive daily physical education and only 15% of kids walk to school.

There are no quick fixes for this problem. Eighty percent of obese kids become obese adults, and obesity in both children and adults is linked to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, joint problems, asthma, and depression.

Is there any good news? Yes.

Children learn what they live, and we as parents are very powerful role models. When we make healthy choices, our children follow. So, all of us parents, not just parents of overweight kids, lets:

• Limit screen time (TV/videos/videogames/and computer) to less than two hours each day.
• Eat fruits and vegetables, like we know we should, drink low fat or skim milk, and try to use whole grains in our daily diet.
• Try to be more physically active because inactive parents make inactive kids, and active parents make active, healthy kids.

Studies have demonstrated that overweight kids gain the most benefit when their parents support, encourage, and are involved with physical activity with them. There is also clear evidence that exercise improves body mass index (i.e. decreases fat), improves self-esteem, and decreases the incidence of serious diseases, especially diabetes and hypertension.

Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control recommend 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day. That is tough for all of us, but the beautiful Connecticut State Parks and the Great Park Pursuit make that goal more achievable. During the week, do the best you can to get outside with your kids, to shut off the "screen" and encourage free play, sports, bike riding, rollerblading, even walking around the neighborhood.

On the weekends, and when you have the time, come and enjoy the space and beauty of our state parks and help make the No Child Left Inside and Great Park Pursuit programs a resounding success.

Dr. Jennifer L. Schwab practices pediatric medicine in Rocky Hill. She is also active with the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

To find out more about DEP's No Child Left Inside initiative and The Great Park Pursuit family contest, visit nochildleftinside.org