Does physical education help kids perform better in school?

Physical education does more than boost kids' fitness. It helps them do better in school, says pediatrician Tanya Remer Altmann, MD. Learn 3 tips to help kids stay active, even if physical education isn't part of their school day.

Transcript

00:00

About 20% of elementary schools have cut physical education altogether. Physical activity can keep kids calm

00:06

and make them happier and more attentive in the classroom. [MUSIC PLAYING]

00:23

Hi, I'm Dr. Tanya Altmann, urging you to get your kids moving. Here's a staggering stat. Less than 10% of US schools offer daily physical education.

00:33

About 20% of elementary schools have cut physical education altogether. Physical activity can keep kids calm

00:40

and make them happier and more attentive in the classroom. Physically fit kids are also more likely to skip risky behaviors.

00:47

Make physical activity a priority for your family with these three tips. First, get off the sofa and away from the computer.

00:55

Active parents have kids who are five to six times more physically active than kids of couch potatoes.

01:02

Plan family activities for every season. Walk for 45 minutes after dinner. Take the kids to a swim club twice a week.

01:09

Go on a weekend hike. Or have your kids help out with yard work. Finally, make exercise a community effort.

01:16

Call teachers, neighbors, and parents of kids' friends. Plan activities together. And lobby your school board to make physical education

01:24

a priority for your kids. [MUSIC PLAYING]