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New school exercise initiative launched
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/01/2013.
Tags: Parenting Kids HealthA new school health initiative has been launched as experts warn that children's long-term health is being put at risk because of a lack of exercise.
The scheme has been introduced by Aviva Health Insurance in conjunction with experts from the Centre for Preventive Medicine and aims to improve the health and fitness of first and second year pupils across the country, the Irish Independent reports.
Dr Sarah Kelly, an exercise physiologist, warned a quarter of schoolchildren are displaying poor health indicators that can lead to heart disease in later life. These include high blood pressure and being overweight or obese.
She said: "Only 12 per cent of ten to 18-year-olds in Ireland are meeting the Department of Health and Children physical activity recommendations of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily."
In contrast, Dr Kelly revealed 86 per cent spend two or more hours per day watching television or playing computer games.
Dublin GAA player Bryan Cullen was at the launch and attributed his sporting successes to an active childhood.
Schools wishing to sign up to the initiative should visit the Aviva Health Insurance website.
kincora
(23-01-2013 18:44)
School timetabling in primary is only 60 mins a week, what does the DES say about this?
s goode
(23-01-2013 21:16)
I think and there is some research to back it up that children expend more energy in break times than they do in PE classes. resources would be better spent in improving the play facilities at our schools and increasing the length of break times