The Fight to Rescue Recess

Childhood memories from the playground may soon be on the way to extinction.  That's because But some people are hoping to change that.

According to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control, in some communities, memories are all that's left from recess.

Nationwide, we know that 67 percent of schools offer recess everyday for all students in their schools for at least 20 minutes.

CDC researcher Sara Lee says  that leaves more than a third of schools offering recess to just some students, or not at all.

The reason may surprise you. 

"Schools are crunched fir time.  One of the biggest reasons is because of the pressures for improving test scores within core academic subjects," Lee explained.

But along with higher rest scores may come higher obesity rates.

"The equation for the increase in obesity we've seen is lack of physical activity combined with higher intake of energy through food and beverages. The more activity kids can get through phys ed and through recess, the better," Lee said.

So, in an effort to bring attention to the problem, Lee has joined with the Cartoon Network's* Get Animated program to spread the word.  And she's getting some major league help. 

"Recess is where everything started for me," said NBA star Dwyane Wade.  When it came to loving sports, and just wanting to be active and get out there with the kids."

Lee and D-Wade agree.  Recess can do as much for a child's brain as it does for their bodies. 

"Its not only just about sports, but you get to meet other kids and gain relationships," Wade said.

"There is evidence that shows recess can actually improve classroom attentiveness, concentration and time on task," Lee said.

You can join the fight too. Go to www.getanimated.com or www.cdc.gov/healthyyou.

There are many resources there that can help parents promote the benefits of physical activity to their local school boards.


*The Cartoon Network is owned by Time Warner, the parent company of CNN, which prepared this report.