Hard data seems difficult to find on this subject, but I would be very confident in saying not as many kids are making the grade today.  I would bet President Obama “signs” far fewer awards than did his predecessors.  Time will tell what impact the first lady, Michelle Obama, will have with her program to change our current path of unhealthy lifestyle choices.  For those wanting to see if they still have what it takes to make the grade, or want to put their kids to the test, you can find out more about the events and testing guidelines.  Requirements can also be found in the Qualifying Standards section on the same site.

Please comment here with your President’s Challenge Program experience.  Do you think this award is a “big deal” to kids today?

1. What good is physical activity, how does physical activity help?
A. builds strong bones and muscles
B. decreases likelihood of obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease
C. may reduce anxiety and depression and promote positive mental health
D. all of the above

2. As a minimum, how many minutes of aerobic physical activity should 6-17 year olds get per day?
A. 20
B. 30
C. 45
D. 60

3. What is an example of aerobic activity?
A. climbing a tree
B. running
C. gymnastics
D. video games

4. How many days per week should 6-17 year olds participate in muscle-strengthening activities?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 7

5. What is the best example of a muscle-strengthening activity?
A. playing soccer
B. brisk walk
C. running
D. push-ups

6. How many days per week should 6-17 year olds participate in bone-strengthening activities?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 7

7. What is both a muscle and bone-strengthening activity?
A. jumping
B. gymnastics
C. tennis
D. all the above

8. Among 9th-12th grade girls, what percent said they were physically active at least 60 minutes per day?
A. 11%
B. 21%
C. 33%
D. 52%

9. In 1969, what percent of students walked or biked to school?
A. 13%
B. 33%
C. 41%
D. 52%

10. In 2001, what percent of students walked or biked to school?
A. 13%
B. 33%
C. 41%
D. 52%

11. What is the recommended maximum amount of screen time (TV, video games, computer) for children two years and older?
A. 1 hour
B. 2 hours
C. 3 hours
D. 4 hours

Answers:  You will need to find them for yourself in the 2009 Youth Physical Activity Guide: Role of Families found at the Centers for Disease control website titled Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: Children and Adolescence in the Youth Physical Activity Toolkit.

Although many want to be responsible for the cure (or at least help), it still seems the root cause is a mystery to some. There is no doubt that an unfortunate condition, such as disease or physical limitations may contribute to a child being overweight. Arguments can also be made that easy access to cheap, unhealthy, fast food is to blame. Others may say it is because kids spend too much time in front of a computer or television.

As common sense would dictate, if a child’s parents are responsible for providing the basics of life – food, clothing and shelter, and a child is reliant on their parents during their childhood for those needs, it would seem reasonable that the parents are responsible for that child’s food choices and caloric intake.

If a child shows up at school with no shoes, It would be easy to say that child’s parents have got to provide shoes, it’s a basic need.  If they can’t afford them, they can get help from many resources in the community. The school may even see if they can find a pair of shoes for the child to wear. Surely, someone would do something and do it right away.

If a child shows up at school 30 pounds overweight, what then? Does anyone contact the school nurse? Does the school try to provide information for the student and parents on how to eat right and exercise? Does anyone call the parents in for a conference?

It is time we take the battle to the source.  Parents must be held accountable for overweight and obese children.  Schools should be able to treat an overweight child, at the very least, like one with no shoes.  Doctors have to speak up when parents need to hear their child is overweight.  Parents must educate themselves and take an active role in the child’s life.

With the first generation of young people predicted to not outlive their parents among us, we have to change tactics.  Political correctness need not interfere. If there is even a slim chance it may make a positive impact, I would rather risk hurting a parent’s feelings than a child’s future.

The Facts:

Data from NHANES I (1971–1974) to NHANES 2003–2006 show increases in overweight among all age groups:
- Among preschool-aged children, aged 2–5 years, the prevalence of obesity increased from 5.0% to 12.4%.8
- Among school-aged children, aged 6–11 years, the prevalence of obesity increased from 4.0% to 17.0%.8
- Among school-aged adolescents, aged 12–19 years, the prevalence of obesity increased from 6.1% to 17.6%.8

The 2007 Tennessee Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that among high school students:
- 17% were obese.
- 82% ate fruits and vegetables less than five times per day during the 7 days before the survey.
- 46% drank a can, bottle, or glass of soda or pop (not including diet soda or diet pop) at least one time per day during the 7 days before the survey.
- 58% did not meet recommended levels of physical activity.
- 61% did not attend physical education classes.
- 70% did not attend physical education classes daily.
- 38% watched television 3 or more hours per day on an average school day.
- 23% played video or computer games or used a computer for something that was not school work for 3 or more hours per day on an average school day.

Science Hill High School "Trybers"

The movement to fight childhood obesity is picking up steam in East Tennessee as Johnson City’s public elementary and middle schools join forces with Tennessee Health Commissioner Susan Cooper to combat this epidemic. The Tennessee Department of Health has teamed with GoTrybe.com to provide students and educators with access to the online health and wellness program until the end of the 2009-2010 school year.

“We’re excited that more Tennessee students will be introduced to GoTrybe as a fun new tool to help improve their health and fitness,” said Cooper. “Science shows healthy students are more successful in school, and that forming healthy habits at a young age can help put these young people on the path toward a lifetime of wellness.”

TDOH and GoTrybe first brought the Web-based fitness program to high schools in 17 East Tennessee school districts in 2008. Schools such as Science Hill were among the top participants. Since that time, more than 9,000 students and faculty have used the system to engage in health and wellness activities. The program is now being expanded to middle and elementary schools throughout the region.

The need for such programs is clear. More than 28 percent of Tennessee high school students identified themselves as slightly or very overweight, according to the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The survey also found that more than 45 percent of participating students were trying to lose weight.

Children gain substantial health benefits from one hour or more of physical activity a day, according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans released last year by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. These science-based guidelines report that regular physical activity greatly improves health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

GoTrybe.com provides a modern, interactive and fun approach to meeting national standards and recommendations for physical activity through online fitness videos and related health content. With hundreds of videos ranging from hip hop dance to strength training, workouts are lead by certified professionals and are updated regularly to include the latest fitness and healthy living trends. Through online participation, students can also get daily wellness information including tips on healthy food choices and motivational messages.

“All teachers across the state are being asked to get our students up and moving. GoTrybe provides an easy-to-use tool that the students can really relate to,” says Coordinated School Health Coordinator Laura Matney. “We want to support the state’s mandate to increase physical activity and give classroom teachers a tool that collects data and shows their support and efforts in the best light. Gotrybe is also a great tool for physical education teachers  to use current exercise videos”

Additionally, individual teacher and student subscriptions give users the opportunity to access GoTrybe accounts outside of school; providing families with a resource for fitness and fun.

“The GoTrybe team is passionate about the overall well-being and future of today’s youth,” says GoTrybe Co-Founder Christopher J. Downs, MD, FACC. “We’re very excited to partner with pubic schools in our region and to provide quality healthy living activities and information for local students and families in a fresh and exciting way.”

“Including physical activity in the classroom will have benefits beyond just health,” says Downs.

“Past teachers using GoTrybe have reported that even small amounts of daily activity in the classroom have led to improved educational performances,” Downs says. “So, not only are we happy to provide tools that lead students in a healthier childhood, but also proud to assist in guiding them toward a brighter future.”

The GoTrybe program is being funded by a Center for Diabetes Prevention and Health Improvement grant through the 2009-2010 school year. In addition, GoTrybe looks to continue to make the program available for the 2010-2011 school year as well. This will improve the opportunity to establish a sustainable physical activity and health education program for all students and teachers.

President Obama signed a memorandum earlier Tuesday morning establishing a federal task force to tackle childhood obesity, calling it “one of the most urgent health issues that we face in this country.” “We think that this has enormous promise in improving the health of our children, in giving support to parents to make the kinds of healthy choices that oftentimes are very difficult.”

The first Lady’s effort is largely focused on making changes to diet and policy.  There is a lack of emphasis on real changes to physical education in schools or any real encouragement to get kids active.  She mentions cutting back on television time but no real focus on specific activites or programs, like GoTrybe, to divert some of that sedentary screen time (watching television) into Active Screen Time.

Things happen for a reason, just believe! – Cheryl, RD

• strengthen bones and muscles without hurting your joints
• tone your entire body
• improve your posture and balance
• increase your stamina and flexibility
• reduce stress and tension
• build confidence
• provide opportunities to meet people, and
• ward off illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression

So if you’re tired of the treadmill and looking for a fun way to stay fit and healthy, it might be time to kick up your heels!  No matter what the genre: country, hip-hop, Latin, or ballroom-there is sure to be a class or group you would enjoy.  KEEP MOVING!-Elizabeth, CPT.