Studies confirm kids need to get more exercise

What's the matter with kids today?

It's a common question, asked about our children and grandchildren. Our parents asked it about us, and their parents asked it about them.

But there is more to the story than traditional generational despair, according to a new study led by Grant Tomkinson, an exercise physiologist at the University of South Australia, and reported by The Associated Press.

Researchers analyzed 50 studies on running fitness -- a key measure of cardiovascular health and endurance -- involving 25 million children, ages 9 to 17, in 28 countries from 1964 to 2010.

The studies examined how far children could run in 5 to 15 minutes, and how quickly they ran a certain distance, ranging from half a mile to two miles. Today's kids are about 15 percent less fit than their parents were, researchers concluded.

On average, today's kids take 90 seconds longer to run a mile than their counterparts did 30 years ago. Heart-related fitness has declined 5 percent per decade since 1975 for children ages 9 to 17.

Kids 6 and older should get 60 minutes of moderately vigorous activity spread out over a day, something only one-third of American kids do today.

"Many schools, for economic reasons, don't have any physical education at all," said Dr. Stephen Daniels, University of Colorado Pediatrician and spokesman for the American Heart Association.

There are, unfortunately, too many reasons NOT to exercise for young people in today's world. Combine attractions like video games, Internet and traditional television with the threat of "stranger danger," and it's easy to see why too many kids are out of shape.

McCook has plenty of recreational opportunities through schools and the YMCA, but the path of least resistance involves sitting in front of a screen.

The Y is doing its part, waiving a $40 joiner fee through the end of the month, and offering a free months membership for those who sign up for automatic bank drafts.

It's also offered free wifi for those still unable to break the Internet habit.

Scholarships are also available for children who are unable to afford membership otherwise.

Despite popular misconception, parents are still the greatest influence in kids' life, so getting out and exercising yourself is far more effective than just telling your children to do so.

Meanwhile, another opportunity for kids to get more exercise has apparently run into a snag at the same time it received some good news.

The McCook Community Foundation has committed $8,000 to the skatepark, pushing the project to more than $40,000 of its $65,000 goal.

However, there are indications that the McCook Public Schools may be reluctant to allow some of its property to be used for a skatepark, leaving the location in question and limiting fundraising opportunities.

Let's hope the issue can be resolved as quickly as possible so that this worthwhile proposal can become a reality.