AAP encourages children to be more active

The American Academy of Pediatrics has released a new policy statement Active Healthy Living: Prevention of Childhood Obesity Through Increased Physical Activity. They hope to make health care providers and parents partners in improving nutrition and encouraging more physical activity for our children.

The policy recommends that physicians and health care professionals aggressively advocate for:

School and community recreation programs that encourage physical activity.
School curriculums that foster better nutrition.
The creation of school wellness councils that include physician representation.
The reinstatement of compulsory, quality, daily physical education programs.
The protection of school recess time.
The creation of safe recreational facilities, parks, playgrounds, bicycle paths, sidewalks and crosswalks.
More funding for quality research in the prevention of childhood obesity.
Social marketing that promotes physical activity.