Schools Must Encourage Physical Activity In Kids

The AHA said such steps were needed since around 16 percent of American children and adolescents were considered obese. Among the recommendations are programs that make it compulsory for students to exercise a daily minimum of 30 minutes in schools.

Other recommendations include:

* Discourage sedentary behavior in kids

* Establish optional activity programs outside of normal school hours.

* Child development centers and elementary schools set aside 30 minutes of recess devoted entirely to exercise

* Ensure that physical education (PE) programs in schools are imparted by qualified teachers

"We think the schools can deliver both excellent academic programs and the physical activity students need during the school day," Pate concluded.