EAST TEXAS (KYTX) -- Parents, you may remember summers where you spent endless hours outdoors playing with your friends, but that's not the picture perfect reality for a lot of families anymore.
A new study finds children gain weight two to three times faster in the summer than during any other time of the year.
In this week's "It's Time Texas" report, Dana Hughey finds out what parents can do to try and keep their kiddos healthy during summer break.
You may have heard of the summer slide, that's when young minds sit idle over the three months of summer and lose some of what they've learned over the school year.
Now, new research from the National Summer Learning Association finds there's also a summer fitness slide.
"What they found, is those same kids who were at risk for summer learning loss, were also our kids that were at the highest risk for obesity," St. Paul Children's Clinic Dr. Valerie Smith said. "The highest obesity, the highest diabetes, and associated problems."
There's no slacking off for these kids at this XTC fitness camp. And with that fitness their mental fitness will be increased as well. This camp works on their speed and agility over the summer.
Tony Cruz says parents can expect some tired children when they get home.
"It is going to hit aerobic and anaerobic systems that will allow the children to progress so that their performance will increase."
But if camps don't fit in your schedule or budget, there are things kids can do at home to get the recommended 60 minutes of physical of activity per day.
Try turning off the T.V. and turning the music up. Then, let the kids dance. Even an active game of Simon Says is a good one for the little ones.
Parents, some really active chores count too like mopping the floors, vacuuming and folding laundry.
