• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Health & Fitness - Teach Kids Importance of Nutrition, Exercise

Posted on: Friday, 25 March 2005, 09:00 CST

We've all seen the endless number of newspaper articles, television reports and even movies in the past several years focusing on the rise of obesity. Some of us tend to ignore the statistics because we're already what most would consider "in shape." Others dismiss these reports and chalk a few extra pounds up to "genetics." Everyone has excuses and we've all used them.

However, this column isn't about your own health, it's about the health of your child. According to a study conducted by the American Obesity Association (AOA), approximately 30 percent of children ages 6 to 11 are overweight, and 15 percent are obese. For adolescents, ages 12 to 19, the same figures are true. Even more frightening, overweight kids age 10 to 14, with at least one overweight or obese parent, were reported to have a 79 percent likelihood of growing up to be overweight or obese.

Health complications caused by obesity are quickly gaining in rank among the leading causes of death. Complications from obesity include heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type- 2 diabetes, hypertension, asthma and orthopedic problems, just to name a few.

But we all know that adolescents are less worried about health complications than they are self-image.

A recent study of high school students by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 43 percent were trying to lose weight. Self-image problems are greatest among girls. Among them, these sobering statistics were found:

56 percent dieted in the previous 30 days

19 percent fasted (went without food for at least 24 hours)

11 percent took diet pills or powders

7 percent induced vomiting or took laxatives to lose weight.

Chances are, either your child or a friend of your child's is trying to lose weight. And the techniques by which they're doing this are likely not safe.

It's not just about losing weight, it's about staying healthy. There are two essential ingredients to fitness - nutrition and exercise.

In response to these statistics, a Youth Recreation Certification (YRC) program is being offered at Collierville Community Center. This program teaches 11- to 14-year-olds the rules of the facility, how to utilize specific areas and equipment, and some essential do's and don'ts of exercise and nutrition.

The certification program lasts about two hours and is held on a Saturday, every other week, at 9 and 11 a.m. When complete, children will have a 30- to 45-minute strength and cardio exercise plan, a workout card numbered with the selected age-safe equipment, a YRC card, and a better understanding of exercise and fitness.

Eleven year-old Collierville resident Colleen Deely was certified at the training class held at the community center on Feb. 5 along with some friends from the '94 Lobos Competitive Soccer Club. Although she's at an ideal weight for her age and height, Colleen understands the importance of keeping fit and establishing healthy habits. Now that she and some of her friends are certified, they're able to work out together and keep each other motivated.

"Now that I'm certified, I can come with mom and dad when they work out and do my own thing," said Colleen. "Also, working out with other girls from the soccer club is cool because we already know how to keep each other psyched up."

This is just a small step that we're taking in keeping kids fit and healthy. We understand that this program is just one piece of the solution, but a very important one. Whether your child has a weight problem or is just looking to stay active, the community center's YRC program offers you and your family additional choices.

For more information about the YRC program or to sign up for our next class on April 2 , call the community center at 861-2110 or visit daclife.com.

Jody McKibben is vice president of DAC, the health and fitness organization managing the community center.

Source: Commercial Appeal, The

More News in this Category