 Physical activity/Exercise and Sports o Small % of kids physically active every day o Huge decrease in daily P.E. classes o Boys more physically active than girls o 30 min 3x/week vigorous exercise can increase cardiovascular health and creativity o Elementary children become more fatigued by sitting than by being active  Obesity o What is it? How common is it in childhood?  Obesity – Weighing 20%+ above the ideal weight for your age if male 25%+ if female.  Commonality –  Almost 20% of US children are overweight or obese  Prevalence of 6 to 11 yr olds being overweight in the US increased 325% from 1974-1999 o Is being obese as a child related being obese as an adult?  If obese at age 6: 25% chance of adult obesity  If obese at age 12: 75% chance of adult obesity o Consequences & causes of obesity  Causes of Obesity –  Inadequate levels of exercise  Poor eating habits  Genetic Inheritance  Link between parental obesity and child obesity o 10% if neither parent is obese o 40% if one parent is obese o 70% if both parents are obese o Probably due to BOTH genes and environment  Parents as role models o Eating behavior o Only ½ engage in physical activities regularly  TV o Children watch T