For the first time in more than a decade, a leading pediatricians group has put out new guidance about recess, saying it's crucial for good health and good grades and should be part of the school day for students of all ages. The updated policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics comes after years of shrinking breaks between lessons and worsening children's health. The group cites the latest research on why these breaks are essential for kids' academic success and mental, physical, social and emotional growth. The guidance was published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.
A new study shows that the health of U.S. children has deteriorated over the past 17 years, with kids today more likely to experience obesity, chronic diseases and other problems. The research was published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has brought children's health to the forefront of the national policy conversation. His agency's report in May described kids as undernourished and overmedicated. But outside experts who reviewed the new study say the Trump administration's decision to make cuts to federal health agencies, Medicaid and scientific research are not likely to reverse the trend.
