Asthma UK urges Government to shape up children's sports
16 February 2006

In a joint meeting between the Parliamentary groups on asthma, obesity and children, Asthma UK, Cancer Research UK and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy continued to call on the Government to improve physical activity levels in children and young people, particularly for those with long-term conditions such as asthma.

1.1 million children in the UK have asthma, making it the most common long-term medical condition in childhood. Asthma UK's research shows that while most of these children should be able to participate in physical activity, one in six parents say that their child's asthma stops them from doing exercise and sports at school.

The All Party Parliamentary Group debate on 'Children and Young People's Health and Physical Activity' outlined the many challenges that prevent participation in physical activity and are leading to children developing poorer health.

Speakers agreed that young people must have a greater involvement in choosing the physical activities that they pursue; facilities need to be affordable, safe and accessible; and schools need to cater for children with conditions such as asthma, through further teacher training and greater numbers of school nurses.

The seminar was the second of three in Parliament to highlight the importance of physical activity for maintaining good health and well-being following the release of these organisations' joint manifesto, 'Active Workplaces? Active Communities? Active Government?'

Dr Howard Stoate MP, co-chairing the meeting, described as a 'tragedy' the fact that children with asthma are less likely to participate in sports: asthma is manageable for the majority of people, as proven by the many gold-medal winning Olympians who have the condition. As such, Asthma UK is working to try and ensure that all of the children that can benefit from physical activity are provided every opportunity to do so.

This seminar series will continue on 15 March when Parliamentarians will be discussing the issues surrounding older people's health and physical activity. For further details please contact Victoria Walsh in Asthma UK's Policy & Public Affairs Team or call 020 7786 4938.

For advice and information on asthma, call the Asthma UK Adviceline (08457 01 02 03, 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)