Walking School Buses Help Overweight Kids

Thursday, 8 December 2005, 12:17 pm
Press Release: Health Promotion Forum
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0512/S00025.htm

New Walking School Bus research shows Aucklanders are benefiting from more
than just the annual reduction of 720,000 car trips Walking School Buses
generate. It shows school kids and adults alike love the daily physical
activity of the school walk.

Dr Pat Neuwelt who completed the research for the Health Promotion Forum of
New Zealand says, " One third of New Zealand's primary school children are
overweight. Lower physical activity levels of children contribute to this
problem. Walking School Buses help decrease obesity levels by enabling
physical activity and shifting children's attitudes about walking, helping
to improve the overall health of our children.

"The research found that many Auckland children want to walk to school and
those on Walking School Buses view physical activity as a natural part of
life. Children's attitudes to walking change when they walk on Walking
School Buses.

"Walking School Buses offer a sociable and fun way to be active and healthy.
Some school Principals also reported potential benefits in the classroom, as
walking bus kids tend to be better prepared for learning when they get to
school."

Anna Percy, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority's (ARTA) Manager
Sustainable Transport said, "This research further confirms that Walking
School Buses are a very healthy and safe way for children to get to and from
school.

"For ARTA, Walking School Buses are about reducing car use, helping kids
develop road safety skills, and working with local councils to make the
roads safer for all pedestrians. And for the kids, it's about friendship,
fun and fitness.

"It's encouraging to see how Walking School Buses are helping to change
attitudes to active transport in the region. In challenging the accepted
norm of driving to school, young walking bus members and adult volunteers
are reducing traffic congestion and having fun at the same time," said Ms
Percy.





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