If you needed an excuse to kick the kids out of the house and into the garden for a few moments of piece and quiet, here you go:
Researchers in China have actually found evidence that spending an extra 45 minutes per day outside may reduce the risk of nearsightedness, or “myopia,” according to a new study.
The study was done on primary school children in China, and showed that spending additional time outside the classroom during the school day could prove vital in keeping their eye sight healthy.
The researchers divided 2000 first-graders, spread across 12 primary schools, into two groups: six schools continued their existing class schedule, while six were assigned to include an additional 40 minutes of outdoor activity at the end of each school day. Parents of children in the second group were also encouraged to engage their children in outdoor activities on the weekends.
After three years, 30 percent of the outdoor activity group had developed nearsightedness, compared to almost 40 percent of kids in the control group, according to the results.
In some parts of China, 90 percent of high school graduates have nearsightedness, and although rates are lower in here Europe and the Middle East, they are increasing steadily, according the Dr. Mingguang He of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, who headed up the study.
The doctor told Reuters Health how intense levels of schooling and little time spent outdoors may have contributed to the epidemic rise of nearsightedness in China.
That means kids who spent more time outside were 23 percent less likely to develop nearsightedness, and Dr. Mingguang He wants to see schools in China increasing outdoor time further, including recesses, and encourage parents to bring children outdoors over the weekend.
Out you go, kids!
