Bicycling five miles in 30 minutes or four miles in 15 minutes. Dancing fast for 30 minutes, or jumping rope for 15 minutes. Playing basketball for 15 to 20 minutes, or volleyball for 45 minutes. Almost half of young people aged 12-21, and more than a third of high school students do not participate in vigorous physical activity on a regular basis. The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than doubled in the past 30 years.
Tobacco is the only other factor that causes more preventable deaths.
Adults who are less active are at greater risk on dying of heart disease and developing diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. Offer a diverse range of noncompetitive and competitive activities that are appropriate for different ages and abilities. Give young people the skills and confidence they need to be physically active. Promote physical activity through all components of a coordinated school health program, and develop links between school and community programs. Schools and community organizations should provide adequate funding, equipment, and supervision for programs that meet the needs and interests of all students.