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CDC has developed a youth media campaign entitled VERB®, It's What you Do, a national initiative to encourage children aged 9-13 years to develop habits of high levels of regular physical activity. To provide a baseline assessment of their physical activity levels and types of usual activities, CDC conducted the first national telephone survey of a nationally representative sample of children aged 9-13 years and their parents. Organized (supervised by a coach or leader) and free-play activities after-school and on weekends were the objects of interest; school activities were excluded. This survey indicated that 61.5% of children aged 9-13 years do not participate in any organized physical activity during non-school hours and 22.6% do not engage in any free-time physical activity. Fewer children aged 9-13 years reported involvement in organized sports (38.5%) than in free-time physical activity (77.4%) during the week preceding the survey. Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic children were significantly less likely than non-Hispanic white children to be in organized activities, as were children whose parents had lower income and education. Regardless of race/ethnicity, age, or gender, the three most common organized activities were baseball/softball, soccer, and basketball. Overall, regardless of age or sex, children reported that their most frequent free-time activities were riding bicycles and playing basketball. Parents shared perceptions of five potential barriers to their child's participation in physical activities: transportation problems, lack of opportunities to participate in physical activities in their area, costs, parents' lack of time, and neighborhood safety. Overall, parents with lower incomes and education levels reported more barriers. Although most children engage in some freetime activity, increased rates of participation in both free-time and organized physical activities are needed, especially for non-Hispanic black and Hispanic children. Increasing levels of physical activity in this age group needs innovative strategies. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMWR 2003; 52(33):785-788). Comment: This
is a sad commentary about children at the ages we assume would have abundant
opportunities for daily free and structured physical activity. Now we
have to plan "Walk Your Child to School" events. VERB® was
introduced to general and target markets (Hispanic/Latino, African American,
American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian American) in eight cities. -J.O. Contributed by:
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