Physical education is now becoming more important then ever before. According to the U.S. Surgeons General, David Satcher, “Only about one-half of U.S. children get regular exercise, and one-fourth don’t take part in physical activity at all” (Worsnop). The table below shows the percentages of children that do not get daily physical activity. This data was taken from the International Life Sciences Institute by Louis Harris and Associates.

Table 1: “Not Getting Daily Exercise”

We need physical education so the generations of today and in the future can have regular daily physical activity.

Nowadays, there is an obesity epidemic that is sweepin

g the nation, not only affecting adults but children as well. A study conducted by the South Dakota Department of Health stated that “30 percent of South Dakota children are considered overweight and 15-20 percent are obese.” The national numbers are skyrocketing and that’s why this obesity problem is now being called an epidemic. Results from a study done by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) showed, “the percentage of overweight and obese children has more that doubled between 1980 and 1994” (Garcia). Children who are obese or overweight carry high health related risks that are very dangerous. Weight gain and obesity are major contributors to such problems as: heart disease, high blood pressure, colon cancer (along with many other types of caner), and more predominantly; diabetes. The NCCDPHP believes two or more risk factors are associated with 25 percent of obese children (Garcia). These statistics show that children are not getting enough physical activity, and with the help of physical education the percentages would be reduced.

As evidence shows, physical education is vital to a child’s development and should not be overlooked. With sufficient funding, physical education programs could be of higher priority to school districts. Children all around will be in better shape and be healthier in genera

Some topics in this essay:
Garcia Children, Kelley Schools, James Pughsley, , Buschman Physical, physical education, David Satcher, Daily Exercise”, South Dakota, El Cahon, Buschman Children, physical activity, daily physical, education programs, physical education programs, school districts, daily physical activity, funding physical education, child’s development, children physically, teach physical, physically active, teach physical education, obese children, physical education hire,