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Caitlyn Eddy
Professor Pamela Reed
Composition I
19 September 2015
Caitlyn this is a nice essay overall, but it clearly takes a position. Taking a position
should be reserved for the Argue a position paper. Your goal in this paper is to be as
neutral as possible by utilizing your sources. Look at my comments and the sections
Ive highlighted in yellow as a guide for revisions.

60 Minutes a Day Keeps the Doctor AwayPhysical Activity

It is common knowledge that kids have, what seems to be, an endless supply of
energy. However, despite this energy overload, most kids aren't even getting 60 minutes
of exercise a day. This lack of exercise can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle and more
problems later in life; for example, obesity. There are numerous explanations for this
lack of physical activity in children, and there are also a variety of ways to solve the
problem in order to promote healthy lifestyles along the way. Being aware of this
widespread problem is just the beginning.
Everyone loves watching TV; however, this is one of the reasons youth are not
getting the daily recommended amount of exercise according to our youth aren't
getting enough physical activity. In a study done by the YMCA of the USA it was
revealed that 50% of children between the ages of 5 and 10 get a total of 3 hours of
screen time a day, whether it be the TV or video games, during the week. In this same
study, about 74% of parents stated they spend family time with their children, in front of

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the TV (Most Young Kids Dont Get Enough Exercise). With kids being at school the
majority of the weekday and then come home being tired from school all day, it is
understandable that children want to relax. The problem with this, is that kids are
unable to receive the benefits of physical activity that can be vital to their growth
if they arent getting those 60 minutes a day. For instance physical activity cannot
only be fun, but it can also help build strength in the bones and muscles, relieve
stress, and help keep children at a healthy weight (Exercise for Children). These
positive outcomes of children exercising can also have a long-term effect on how
children view exercise and may likely encourage a healthy lifestyle for the future.

Television is not the only cause for the lack of physical activity in our youth.
Another factor, is location, believe it or not, also plays a role. For example, children that
live an urban environment may have a harder time engaging in physical activity, not
because they dont want to, but rather because it may not even be an option. Being in a
suburban environment makes it much easier and safer to be outside. Parents however,
can make a huge impact on the activity level of their children simply by their actions.
Parents who encourage their children to get outside or participate in sports are setting
good examples for their kids. Kids often look to their parents as role models, if they see
those they idolize being active, they will more than likely be encouraged to join. Parents
play a huge role in motivating children to be active and their support is crucial to the
process.
There are several other options for getting kids to be more physically active. For
example, sports are a great way for children to get involved and exercise. Sports teach

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life skills and give children the opportunity to interact with their peers allowing social
skills to grow as well. Even just being active outside is enough to maintain a healthy
lifestyle. A healthy and active lifestyle can balance blood sugar levels, burn calories to
maintain a healthy weight, and lower stress levels (Keeping Your Child Active).
Encouraging children to be physically active at a young age can be extremely beneficial
in long run.

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Physical activity, as stated earlier, is key to a healthy lifestyle. However, some
experts are taking a different stance on this issue. Alissa Frmeaux, a biostatistician,
someone who relates statistics to biology, claims that children have a limit when it
comes to activity. This set point represents, an energy expenditure baseline to which,
over time, they (children) will naturally revert (Why Kids Exercise Matters Less Than
We Think). While this may be true and some kids just simply dont like to exercise, it is
not something programmed into their brain. Encouraging physical activity, as children
are young, can set good habits and even change this so called set point. However,
even if you follow this set point logic, there are other ways to sustain a healthy lifestyle
for children who lack the physical activity aspect. This other aspect is a healthy diet.
Teaching children how to choose nutritious foods and make the healthier choices can be
a challenge. Creating healthy eating habits as children for example substituting an apple
for a cookie, or even if it is just having regular home cooked meals at home instead of
eating out, being a role model and encouraging healthier choices can impact how
children grow as well as influence how they make their own choices regarding food later
on in life. Like diets, children who are active younger will create good habits as they get
older (Nutrition for Children and Teens). Both diet and activity can be major roles in how
children grow and whether or not they can create healthy life habits for the future,
inactivity is a choice not a permanent factor.
Yes, watching TV is relaxing and doesnt take much energy but if children arent
getting enough exercise they are missing out on a number of health benefits that were
previously discussed. The most important idea is that being active and striving for 60
minutes of physical activity/exercise each day, can lead to a healthy lifestyle. Not only is

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the activity aspect important, but encouraging a diet consisting of good food choices in
the younger years of children also plays an important role. If children can start young in
thinking physical activity and a healthy diet is enjoyable, it can do nothing but improve
their lives now and later in life.

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Works Cited
"Keeping Your Child Active." Family Doctor. Familydoctor.org, n.d. Web. 10 Sept.
2015.
Hendrick, Bill. "Most Young Kids Dont Get Enough Exercise." WebMD. N.p., n.d.
Web. 10 Sept. 2015.
"Exercise for Children." MedicinePlus. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2015.
Cloud, John. "Why Kids' Exercise Matters Less Than We Think." Time. Time Inc.,
13 May 2009. Web. 19 Sept. 2015.
Paul, Maya W., and Lawrence Robinson. "Nutrition for Children and Teens."
HelpGuide.org. N.p., Aug. 2015. Web. 19 Sept. 2015.