Durban - Fitness expert Hayley Cassim says South African children don’t play as much as they should.
Only seven percent of children aged between five and 11 and four percent of those aged between 12 and 17 acquired the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity, according to Cassim.
“Kids are just not playing in their free time. Play time has become screen time as opposed to active time,” she said.
Cassim has worked in the industry for more than 25 years with a particular interest in children. She warned that children who did not engage in physical activity ran the risk of developing coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes, osteoporosis and depression, among other ailments.
Cassim owns and runs private gyms at two top Durban schools.
“I definitely support any initiative that will encourage kids to be more active.”
She has been working to promote physical education among children by introducing gymnasiums at schools and promoting inter-school fitness challenges. Although she feels more physical education lessons need to be introduced at schools, she notes that physical play is also a good form of exercise.
Cassim’s statements were backed by Toys R Us, a local toy retailer. “Toys R Us believe in the role that toys play in children’s lives, but our priority is education and the safety and well-being of children. Therefore, we believe that play time should not only be fun but productive,” said Michelle Burke, Toys R Us South Africa’s marketing manager.
“We encourage parents and children to consider toys and games that are beneficial to their development and health
.”
The Mercury