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TV or Not TV: That Is the Question Red Rover, Red Rover, send Lucy right over. Ready or not, here I come! Simon says, “Pat your head.” Not so long ago, when school was out and the weather was nice, kids were always outside playing. These days, you’re more apt to find them inside, in front of the TV or computer. The average child watches three to four hours of TV every day. The growing number of young couch potatoes troubles health experts. New studies show that a sedentary child will likely become a sedentary adult, and a sedentary life, experts say, leads to a host of health problems, from obesity to heart disease. “Adults think that kids need to settle down and focus,” says Judy Young, Ph.D., executive director of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). “But all that movement is a natural part of development. You can’t sit still and develop well.” To that end, NASPE recently issued the first exercise guidelines for children ages 5 to 12. The guidelines call for children to exercise at least 60 minutes a day, preferably more. “Younger children need more activity,” says pediatrician Ronald Hino, M.D. “That’s the solution for decreasing obesity, not diets or medical treatment.” A recent study in the Journal of Pediatrics found that children spent only 10 to 16 hours a week playing, but three to four hours A DAY watching television. So, what’s a parent to do? Dr. Hino suggests a combination of encouraging physical activity and limiting sedentary activities. “The family has the responsibility to make the necessary changes,” he says. “It’s very easy to put the children in front of the TV.” You shouldn’t go cold turkey on TV watching, but plan to cut back gradually. Ronald Hino, M.D. Dr. Hino points out that adults need to rethink their definition of children’s activity. Adults tend to mark off their days in neat compartments: Exercise at this time, work at that time, play later. Children tend to need small bursts of activity spread throughout the day. “A child’s active behavior can be aggravating to adults,” Dr. Hino says. “Constant activity is a way children burn off their excess energy and calories.” Dr. Hino urges parents to have a place where the kids can be active at home, where they can run, bike or climb. If that’s not possible, try a public playground. For older children (9 and above), organized sports can be a good outlet, if chosen carefully. Make sure the sport or activity offers lots of exercise — and is one your child will enjoy. It’s also important for children to see that their parents are active. Studies have found that if both parents are active, the children are much more likely to be active, Dr. Hino says. HIGHLIGHTS OF NASPE GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN AGES 5–12 School-age children should accumulate at least 60 minutes and up to several hours per day of activities appropriate for their age. Activity should be in periods of 10–15 minutes and include moderate to vigorous movement. Long periods of inactivity are not appropriate for healthy children. School-age children should participate in a variety of activities, at varying levels of intensity. Wallace Matthews, M.D. >> HEAR FROM THE EXPERT: Exercise, A Family Affair Wallace Matthews, M.D. Tuesday, June 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Click here for more information.