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Healthy Teens: Mission Possible
There's Hope for Healthy Teens
By Kendeyl Johansen
Only 25 percent of kids in the United States participate in any daily physical activity, according to the National Association of Sport and Physical Education. This lack of exercise contributes to the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States, and obesity can eventually lead to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses
Is there hope for our sedentary kids? The CDC report, "Promoting Better Health for Young People Through Physical Activity and Sports," identifies strategies for increasing physical activity and fitness in kids. Among other things, the report calls for school programs to include quality daily physical education and youth sports and recreation programs to offer accessible and attractive activities for a variety of kids.
Even with the implementation of government programs, parents need to teach kids how to make healthy choices. "Don't expect kids to live a healthy and active lifestyle if their parents eat poorly and don't exercise," says Tony Sparber, owner of New Image Weight Loss Camps.
Indeed, exercise is the key to good health. Kids need some sort of physical exercise daily. Encourage your teen to pursue interests that get him or her moving such as school-based sports or physical activities.
Also, start exercising as a family. "Make fitness part of the family dynamic," Sparber suggests. "Take walks after dinner with your kids, go to the gym together, and bike and roller-blade on the weekends." Sparber adds that sharing common experiences brings families closer together. Additionally, healthy teens enjoy higher self-esteem than overweight or out of shape kids.
Crystel Riggs of Clemson, Utah, wanted to help her overweight daughter get in shape. Riggs had her backyard graded to allow for a play area where there had previously been a steep slope. She says, "My daughter and her friends have a safe place for outside activities now so they get more exercise."
