Parents 'need to encourage their kids to be active'

Published on 25-05-2010

Summary: Mums and dads need to incorporate exercise into their children's lives, a report has suggested.

Parents need to encourage their kids to be active and try new activities, even if they're not keeping fit themselves, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

According to the organisation, physical activity is imperative in combating childhood obesity.

Associate medical director at the BHF Dr Mike Knapton remarked: "Ideally parents and children should lead an active lifestyle together."

He added if that is not possible then mums and dads still need to ensure their offspring are leading a healthy life.

Dr Knapton also suggested parents need to make exercise a part of everyday life for kids, encourage youngsters to play outside with friends and walk to school.

The BHF also revealed that children are likely to watch more than four hours of television every day if their mums and dads do too.

Earlier this month a healthy living programme was launched in Canterbury in a bid to get both parents and their kids more active.

The Mend 2-4: Mind Exercise, Nutrition … Do it! sessions include 90-minute activities, Young People Now reports.

Posted by Katie Finch

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