In the last 30 years, the percentage of children who are overweight has more than doubled, while rates among adolescents have more than tripled. The essential cause of the increase in overweight among children and adolescents is caloric imbalance, which results from inadequate physical activity, poor dietary choices, or both.
Most of our children spend 7 hours each weekday at school. The school setting offers multiple opportunities for students to enjoy physical activity outside of physical education class. A school-based physical activity program includes quality physical education, recess, and intramural sports.
Although some school districts have stopped offering it, most elementary schools continue to provide a daily recess period of at least 20 minutes. Numerous studies have shown that during recess, young people can burn off some that pent-up energy and stress from sitting in a classroom for hours on end. Daily recess periods can help rejuvenate our childrens focus and attention span.
Fitness has no age limits. The more we learn, the clearer it is: physical activity is vital to every stage of life.
Though young children seem to have boundless energy that makes them the envy of many adults, children today may be less fit than at any other time in history. One study showed that some 40 percent of U.S. children have at least one major risk factor for heart disease by the age of 12. Obesity and physical inactivity in children are linked to a host of health problems in later life.
Children benefit immensely from fitness activity, and there is evidence that habits formed early in life are likely to last throughout. Perhaps the best way to teach children the value of fitness is by example: kids who grow up in households with inactive adults are likely to be the same, and one of the biggest fitness motivators for any age is having physically active role models. Parents take note: by staying active you're not only keeping yourself fit and healthy, you're helping your kids live healthier, too.
How do we get started? Most of us need to take a simple approach: do something. The first step is just being more active even if its only a little. Start by walking; it can always be worked into your day. Anyone can do it any time, in almost any place, without any special equipment. The opportunities are plentiful: go for a walk after dinner instead of watching television; walk to work; walk to the store rather than driving; or take the dog or the kids for a long walk. A moderately brisk pace is preferable, but build up to it gradually.
Take some simple steps - today - towards better health and fitness for you and your children! Get a little exercise each day and start getting in shape fast!
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