By Sarah Titzer, B.S.

Americans would like to think of our youth as an active, energetic group with a whole world to conquer. In reality, the majority of today‘s youth are a generation of inactive, unfit and increasingly overweight children. In fact, childhood obesity has doubled in the last 30 years.

Physical inactivity and obesity have put our children at risk for “adult” diseases such as Type 2 or “adult-onset” diabetes and the development of cardiovascular disease in childhood. In overweight children ages 5 – 15, 61% have one or more cardiovascular disease risk factors and 27% have 2 or more!

The health of today‘s youth is quickly deteriorating!

Parents can take charge by encouraging the following:

• Be a positive role model for your children! Plan family events that involve physical activity such as hiking, canoeing or biking.
• Encourage your child‘s school to offer daily physical education programs. Daily participation in physical education classes dropped from 42% in 1991 to 27% in 1997.
• Choose a day care or after school program that provides regular opportunities for active play.
• If your child is not already active in youth sports and recreational programs, encourage them to get involved.

Source: Promoting Better Health for Young People Through Physical Activity and Sport, Centers for Disease Control, Fall 2000

For additional information please contact NIFS at 317.274.3432.