Fitness Facts
TREK USA is not only a great athletic adventure, it is also a chance to serve as the physically fit role models youngsters need to grow up strong, active and healthy.
Children who are overweight and under-active are at elevated risk for heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and depression as adults.
STATISTICS
According the U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
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Approximately 30.3 percent of children ages 6 to 11 are overweight and 15.3 percent are obese.
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Among adolescents ages 12 to 19, 30.4 percent are overweight and 15.5 percent are obese.
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In 2003-04, 32.2% of adults (over 66 million) were obese. Almost 5% of adults were extremely obese.
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Overweight children and adolescents are more likely to become obese as adults. For example, one study found that approximately 80% of children who were overweight at aged 10–15 years were obese adults at age 25 years. Another study found that 25% of obese adults were overweight as children.
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
- Exercise with your kids. Find games and activities they enjoy and do them together. Become an active role model for your children.
- Encourage healthy eating habits. Serve fruits and vegetables. Limit sugary or salty snacks.
- Find activities that get the whole family moving. Walking, hiking, swimming, kite flying, mountain climbing, bike riding are all great fun and healthy too.
- Limit “screen time” (TV or computers) to no more than two hours per day.
- Talk to your children about the importance of exercise and eating right. Help them learn the valuable habits of a healthy lifestyle.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
The following resources provide valuable information and useful tips for helping kids eat right and exercise:
- We Can! – Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/
- Kid’s Health
- National Center For Safe Routes to School
http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/
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