Physical activity

Exercise daily for health

When adults think of physical activity, they think of things like going to the gym, taking an aerobics class or running. But for kids, it's different. They get exercise in gym classes, playing soccer, at recess, riding bikes or playing tag.

The National Institute of Health recommends that kids get one hour of moderate exercise, preferably every day, and watch TV or play video games less than two hours a day.

Did you know?

• Only 50 percent of children attend physical education class by age 17. (CDC, 2000)
• One in three children do not engage in the recommended level of physical activity. (U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services, 2002)
• 75 percent of kids hop in a car for a trip less than a mile. (Center for Disease Control, 2000)
• 26 percent of high school students exercise every day. (Center for Disease Control, 2000)
• 49 percent of high school students who exercise claim to do so to maintain long term health, 35 percent to feel good, 23 percent to feel better, 15 percent to maintain weight, 12 percent to lose weight. (Center for Disease Control, 2000)
• 36 percent of children get no exercise. (Center for Disease Control, 2000)
• Physical inactivity has contributed to the 100 percent increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States since 1980. (American Heart Association)

Pennsylvania Statistics (Center for Disease Control, Obesity Fact Sheet, Pennsylvania)

• 50 percent of high school students have not participated in 20 minutes of physical activity in the past seven days
• 79 percent have not participated in 30 minutes of physical activity in the past seven days
• 15 percent had not participated in any physical activity in the past seven days
• 56 percent of high school students are not enrolled in a physical education class
• 76 percent of students do not attend physical education classes daily

Highmark Healthy High 5 can improve children's physical activity by providing grants and supporting programs that promote an effective and increased level of physical activity.

Have a greater hand in raising happier, healthier kids.