The next time you take your child to the doctor, he or she just might ask how much exercise your child gets during the average week. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is requesting health professionals to join in the fight against child obesity by checking on kids' activity levels — and even prescribing more playtime if necessary. It's a good first step toward stopping the growing child obesity epidemic.

So how can you encourage your child to get moving? The AAP says that placing a limit on sedentary activities like watching TV and playing computer games is a great place to start. Its experts recommend no more than two hours a day for children over the age of 2, and none for children younger than that. Why? These pastimes have come to replace the outdoor activities of previous generations. They also advocate getting kids involved in fun activities like swimming, soccer, dance, and other sports, based on their interests and abilities.

Finally, the experts encourage parents to set a good example themselves. Turn family time into active time by going to the park, riding bikes together, visiting the zoo, or other on-the-go outings. Teaching children at an early age that movement is fun will go a long way toward helping them avoid weight problems in the future. So get your kids moving, and keep them fit for life!