ACTIVE kids should also be healthy and safe kids - that's the key message from the Pedestrian Council of Australia's as part of its annual National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday.
While not solely about improving fitness and wellbeing, the event does try to help tackle rising levels of obesity that now affects almost a quarter of Australian children and adolescents.
Now in its eighth year, the event encourages parents to take time out from their busy schedules and walk with their children all or part of the way to school.
Pedestrian Council of Australia chairman Harold Scruby said the event has never been more relevant.
He said instilling healthy living habits in children early in life would go a long way to determining long-term lifestyle satisfaction.
"Walking is an easy, fun, safe and sociable method of exercise and it makes you feel great," he said.
"This event is also a great opportunity to learn about safe pedestrian behaviour and teach young Australians about sustainable methods of transport."
He said this year more than 200 schools had signed up for the healthy breakfast provided and organised by schools, parents and community groups and local businesses.
Safeway Supermarkets have helped in providing these breakfasts by offering cases of Royal gala apples for $36 (90 pieces) and William pears at $39 (120 pieces).
"This year we have seen an unprecedented response from schools around the nation to get involved," Mr Scruby said.
"The day focuses on the benefits of developing regular exercise habits as well as safe pedestrian behaviour in young, primary school-aged children. After all, active kids are healthy kids."
Department of Health and Ageing research shows that television viewing of more than two hours a day in childhood is associated with poor fitness, raised cholesterol, being overweight and smoking in adulthood.
"Its a wonderful opportunity to build the 60 minutes of recommended exercise per day into our kids' routines," said Mr Scruby.
"It took human beings a million years to learn how to walk and 50 years to forget."
The World Health Organisation says regular physical activity helps children build healthy bones, muscles and joints, helps reduce body weight and develops the correct function of the heart and lungs.
WSTSD aims to promote the health benefits of walking as well as creating regular walking habits.
It also focuses on safe pedestrian behaviour for children helping develop vital road-crossing skills and aims to reduce car dependency, thereby helping reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.
The event is supported by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, local and state governments along with the National Heart Foundation, beyondblue, the Cancer Council Australia, Planet Ark, and Diabetes Australia.
Maxine McKew, Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, has put on her walking shoes to encourage children to get involved in this year's event.
"Walking is excellent for our environment because it reduces car use, which means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and it's also a great way to spend some quality family time."
For more information on registering for Walk Safely to School Day or the Safeway fruit offer visit www.walk.com.au
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