Kids should get into the game

Re “Gym Class, Revisited” (May 17): As a nursing student I have become aware of the rising number of obese children and their increased risk of diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

One of the factors contributing to the obesity epidemic is the increasingly sedentary lifestyle children are leading.

Redirecting the focus of school PE classes from competitive team sports and skills, which can alienate the children most at risk, to encouraging exercise in whatever form is fun for the child and can go a long way in helping children develop lifelong healthy habits.

Spending money now to foster a love of exercise can help reduce healthcare costs and human suffering for years to come.

Jennifer Anderson

San Francisco