Gym classes are more vital than ever, especially since more children are battling their weight.
But a new study has found P.E. accidents are sending too many kids to the hospital.
The Seattle Public Schools kicked off a new P.E. curriculum last fall, and it's helping more kids reach personal fitness goals.
But now a new national study shows kids are getting something else from gym class.
Between 1997 and 2007 there's been a 150 percent rise in the number of kids who go to the emergency room each year after P.E. accidents.
Dr. Tom Jinguji is a clinical assistant professor in pediatrics and orthopedics. He sees a steady stream of kids with sprains, strains and breaks at Seattle Children's.
He says school kids may be coming to the ER more often because fewer schools have nurses to evaluate injuries on site.
"Eighty percent of these things were bumps and bruises, and then another 20 percent broke into things like concussion, which is very serious, but also fractures," Jinguji said.
The study showed boys had more injuries to the head and trunk, while girls more often sprained their ankles or twisted knees.
"We think some of that might be because of body shapes. But also body strength. If your hips and core are weaker, they can put more risk of injury onto the knees," Jinguji.
Most of the kids who got hurt were running, doing gymnastics, or playing basketball, football, volleyball and soccer. And middle school kids had the most injuries by far. There's a reason.
"They're kind of growing into their bodies," Jinguji said. "They're also learning the newer skills."
Still he says the health benefits of P.E. far outweigh the risks from injuries.
"Physical activity is huge, and developing good habits for physical activity, to decrease the risk of obesity, decrease the risk of heart disease," he said.
That puts kids on track for lifelong health.
Parents who are concerned should ask if equipment and school playgrounds are in good repair. And start your child off right with shoes that match the activity.
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