Children spend less time exercising outdoors
23/03/2011 Young people are in some ways leading healthier lifestyles than they were a decade ago, but research suggests that teens need to spend more time exercising outdoors, which could encourage parents to buy trampolines for the garden.
According to a study conducted at the University of Edinburgh, the number of teens who regularly drink alcohol has fallen by a third since 2002, but many 11 to 15 year olds are struggling to meet recommended levels of physical exercise.
Despite a notable decrease in TV watching, researchers found that less than one-fifth of British youngsters were spending sufficient time exercising outdoors to satisfy government criteria.
Professor Candace Currie, director of the university's Child and Adolescent Research Unit, described the findings as "extremely encouraging", though there is still room for improvement.
Earlier this week, Yahoo! health expert Debbie Nicholson urged families to consider buying trampolines for the garden to boost their "all-over body wellness" by regularly exercising outdoors.
According to a study conducted at the University of Edinburgh, the number of teens who regularly drink alcohol has fallen by a third since 2002, but many 11 to 15 year olds are struggling to meet recommended levels of physical exercise.
Despite a notable decrease in TV watching, researchers found that less than one-fifth of British youngsters were spending sufficient time exercising outdoors to satisfy government criteria.
Professor Candace Currie, director of the university's Child and Adolescent Research Unit, described the findings as "extremely encouraging", though there is still room for improvement.
Earlier this week, Yahoo! health expert Debbie Nicholson urged families to consider buying trampolines for the garden to boost their "all-over body wellness" by regularly exercising outdoors.
