Nearly half of American youth ages 12-21 are not vigorously active on a regular basis. Physical activity often declines dramatically during adolescence. Nearly 16 million Americans have diabetes. The rise in type 2 diabetes appears to parallel the increase in childhood obesity. Osteoporosis Calcium, vitamin D and exercise are vital to creating bone density during childhood.
Childhood is a critical period for bone development, essential for life-long bone health.
Youth have a high intake of colas containing phosphoric acid that depletes bones and teeth of essential calcium. Our cultural obsession with being thin has created a generation at risk of future osteoporosis. Cholesterol and Heart Disease Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. Elevated cholesterol levels in childhood increase the risk of atherosclerosis, the cause of heart attacks and strokes. Atherosclerosis begins in childhood and has been found in children as young as age 2.