Obesity now affects 17% of all children and adolescents in the United States - triple the rate from just one generation ago. It has become increasingly difficult for children and their families to make healthy food choices and get enough physical activity, due to the built environments in their home, child care center, school, or community. One barrier to a healthy lifestyle is the lack of safe and appealing places, in many communities, to play or be active.
Many communities are built in ways that make it difficult or unsafe to be physically active. Half of the children in the United States do not have a park, community center, and sidewalk in their neighborhood. Concerned communities are finding success creating bike paths and parks, and getting kids on their feet and onto the playground - instead of sitting on the couch.
One way to help kids get enough play every day is through joint use agreements. Joint use agreements can help in opening school playgrounds after hours and on weekends. This ensures there is a place for kids to go to be active and have fun outside school hours. How is your community making access to places to play or be active a priority?
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