Today, between 15 and 25 percent of schoolchildren in the United States are overweight, placing them at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The Surgeon General's report also notes that children tend to become less active with each passing year. It's easy to blame the lure of TV and the Internet for turning kids into idle slackers, but the influences are far more complex. Budget-conscious school officials are cutting physical education programs.
Some adolescents surrender their free time to after-school jobs.
Exercise can fall victim to peer pressure, says Mary Ann Hill, a spokeswoman for the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Its springtime and the weather is beautiful. Take advantage of the long daylight hours and spend some extra time outdoors with your kids. Be a role model for your kids and get fit at the same time. Plan family activities several times a week that raise your heart rate and strengthen your muscles.