Our world seems to be getting more complicated in almost every way imaginable. Families are busier, more households have both parents working outside the home, children's schedules are booked solid with activities on top of their school responsibilities.

After-school physical activities like biking, running and other sports have been replaced by more sedentary activities such as television watching, video games and computer time.

Because of our fast-paced lifestyles, important things needed to maintain optimum health are getting pushed to the back burner — namely eating healthy nutritious diets and getting in our daily workouts.

We find ourselves picking up some fast food and eating the meal in front of the television, all with the intent of trying to be more efficient and getting other required daily tasks marked off our list of things to do.

Because little time is left after school for physical fitness, it has become even more imperative that physical education become an integral part of the elementary-school curriculum.

Many children do not have an opportunity to play organized sports and, without a regular physical fitness program at school, may get little to no physical activity on a daily basis.

As pediatricians, we are observing a growing epidemic of childhood obesity.

This new and alarming trend is leading to significant health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol at younger ages. Studies have shown that sedentary children will grow into sedentary adults, thus increasing risk for lifelong serious and chronic illnesses.

Parents are encouraged to provide daily opportunity for physical fitness in the home routine, but school may be the only place that a child consistently engages in regular physical activity. This daily physical activity is critical for a child's physical, mental and emotional success. Studies have shown the importance of physical fitness in educating both mind and body. When children learn the value of leading an active lifestyle, this will have a positive impact on both academic success and the physical and emotional wellness.

Availability of a quality physical education program will encourage the development of social, cooperative and problem-solving skills. Physical activity also helps develop motor skills and maximize overall health, fitness and well-being. Active children often have better concentration and productivity in the classroom, are more efficient with their daily schedules and, generally, are more upbeat and motivated to tackle the tasks of the day.

We challenge our patients to engage in some kind of physical activity for at least 30 to 45 minutes most days. Children need to have the opportunity for a daily dose of uninterrupted physical activity.

For many children, this opportunity is the physical education program provided at school. A community event such as Summerfest presents another chance for children to be exposed to the value of fitness and choosing to take charge of their health.

Because of our commitment to promoting healthy and active living, Kaiser Permanente is proud to be a sponsor of Summerfest.

It is a unique and fun opportunity for parents, children, educators and the community as a whole to refocus on the fundamentals of daily physical activity and balanced nutrition to accomplish healthier and more fulfilling lifestyles.

— Catherine Hurley, M.D., is a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Ventura.