Kids told to indulge in physical activity
Print Edition
A BOOKLET suggesting physical activity for children, the first of its kind in China, was released in Shanghai yesterday.
“The booklet was published because the physical condition of Chinese youngsters has been declining with a rising number of children suffering from obesity and poor sight,” said Jiang Fan of the Shanghai Children’s Medical Center.
Jiang said the research was sponsored by Shanghai’s health authority which has been looking at ways to improve the city’s public health system.
“We hope the booklet leads to awareness in the society, especially among parents and in schools, community and governments, on the importance of physical activity.”
A 2016 survey of 100,000 primary and middle school students across China showed that they spent insufficient time on moderate to high intensity physical activity, and too much time on the digital screen every day.
The booklet recommends that juveniles should do at least one hour of physical activity of moderate and high intensity every day, and high-intensity and resistance exercises three days a week to strengthen their bones and muscles.
In Shanghai, schools are required to ensure that students have one hour of physical exercise every day but there’s no specific requirement on the kinds of exercises they are supposed to do.
“If children spend one hour on physical exercise but sit for long hours every day, it can still affect their health,” said Jiang. “Researchers have found that sedentary behavior can cause obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. We recommend children stand up more for some body movement during class break or when doing homework.”
Jiang said Chinese parents prefer to sacrifice physical activity for academic study. “But physical activity can play a positive role in studies,” she said. “It is also helpful for the child’s physical growth and intelligence development.”
Ni Minjing, deputy director of the Shanghai Education Commission, said the guidelines were good references for schools to design their own physical education classes and activities.
Chen Peijie, president of the Shanghai University of Sport and a member of the research program, said inadequate facilities were also a problem.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
