Children 'must start exercising outdoors more'
16/03/2010 More young people should start exercising outdoors as the fitness levels of UK children continue to drop, according to one expert.
In a damning report on the nation's health, chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson said that serious action is needed to increase the number of people taking part in physical activities.
He cited figures showing that 70 per cent of British adults do not spend the recommended period of time exercising outdoors each week and each decade child fitness levels are falling by up to nine per cent.
"Being physically active is crucial to good health. If a medication existed that had a similar effect on preventing disease, it would be hailed as a miracle cure," he explained.
Sir Liam said that getting children involved in exercising outdoors when they're young can help create good habits for when they grow up.
The suggestion was also made that the government should start a pilot scheme to assess the fitness of secondary school children.
According to Parentline Plus, engaging in outdoor play activities helps them feel loved and improves their development.
In a damning report on the nation's health, chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson said that serious action is needed to increase the number of people taking part in physical activities.
He cited figures showing that 70 per cent of British adults do not spend the recommended period of time exercising outdoors each week and each decade child fitness levels are falling by up to nine per cent.
"Being physically active is crucial to good health. If a medication existed that had a similar effect on preventing disease, it would be hailed as a miracle cure," he explained.
Sir Liam said that getting children involved in exercising outdoors when they're young can help create good habits for when they grow up.
The suggestion was also made that the government should start a pilot scheme to assess the fitness of secondary school children.
According to Parentline Plus, engaging in outdoor play activities helps them feel loved and improves their development.
