Pennsylvania Secretaries of Health, Education Announce New Grant Initiatives to Curb Childhood Obesity, Boost Physical Activity ...(inutes of physical activity into after-s...),Health

"Children today spend twice as much time in front of video games and TV screens as they do exercising," said Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak. "We know there is a direct link between physical fitness and school performance. These initiatives will bring a renewed focus to the important role that schools and communities play in ensuring the health of students."

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends children ages 6-17 should engage in one hour of physical activity each day. Most of that time should be spent doing either moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. It should include muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening activity at least three days per week. Only about 38 percent of the state's middle school students get the recommended amount of activity, according to a recent survey.

For more information on the Active Schools Grant Program, visit the Department of Health Web site at www.health.state.pa.us.

    CONTACT:
    Stacy Kriedeman, Health
    (717) 787-1783

    Michael Race, Education
    (717) 783-9802