USA: U.S. fitness guru Richard Simmons hopes to help children stay healthy and active with new toy.

With the increasing number of children becoming overweight in the United States, health experts warn youngsters need to maintain a healthy fitness program. A new toy in New York on Thursday (February 8) promises to prevent children from becoming obese by combining physical play, learning and technology. A new product for children was unveiled at the International Toy Fair in New York on Thursday (February 8) which promised to tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity. The Smart Cycle is a computer game for children which uses a stationery bicycle to get children active. It features cartoon characters and toys like Dora the Explorer and Barbie. Fitness guru Richard Simmons lent his support to the product and said a staggering number of children in the U.S. were suffering health problems normally associated with adults. "We found out that 79 per cent of schools don't have a P.E. (Physical Education) program. The group that I was with on the (U.S. morning television program) 'Today' show only had P.E. once a week. This has to change. Our children are overweight, they have high blood pressure, and they're stressed at a very young age," said Simmons. The Smart Cycle is aimed at children 3-6 years old. Simmons said he will travel to Washington D.C. to speak at a Congressional Hearing which will make physical education programs mandatory in schools.

ITN Source | February 10, 2007

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