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.

• 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.

Orchard School-Amazing students and an Amazing experience!

GoTrybein.com grabs the attention of The Orchard School’s 3rd grade reading class.  The third graders quickly grabbed my attention.  I’m a trainer with GoTrybe.com and I was lucky enough to be part of the launch in Indianapolis.  The folks here at Orchard welcomed us with big smiles and tons of enthusiasm. Gotrybein.com is officially up and going and FREE to all kids, k-12 in Indiana until the end of April.  Check out this video to learn more about the site and to see first hand how much the kids enjoyed logging on.

Live the life you’ve always imagined. Stay healthy.  Sheridan

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

CONGRATULATIONS to the preschool class from Northeast Ohio for winning the GoTrybe World Diabetes Day Blue Photo Contest! Their picture recreates the blue circle that is the World Diabetes Day symbol.

The class honored World Diabetes Day with all blue activities. There was blue finger painting, a blue story-time, blue snacks (with blueberry yogurt and baked blue corn chips) and a run outside in the parking lot, holding beautiful, blue homemade wind-socks in the air!

The message for the class was the importance of eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise … because you don’t want to get sick and have to do tests everyday to make sure your bodies are working right! With this year’s theme being “Children and Adolescents,” this class found a perfect way to celebrate World Diabetes Day with young people.

And yes, World Diabetes Day is over this year … but that shouldn’t stop you from discussing prevention of diabetes with children the rest of the year. A healthy diet and fitness routine is important all year long! For information to share with children on diabetes care and prevention, visit www.WorldDiabetesDay.org.

Looking for a way to get your kids active? Go to GoTrybe.com and sign-up for a free 7-day trial. See how a GoTrybe membership can offer your children a fun way to get healthy and active, with 24-hour access to children’s fitness videos, as well as nutrition, wellness and motivation content… it’s the perfect way to help promote a healthy lifestyle for your children!

Remember, GoTrybe encourages everyone to:

GO get active, TRY something new and BE your best!