Active Me: Health & FItness
In response to the alarming epidemic of childhood diabetes and obesity related illnesses the PATH program staff developed a curriculum to improve physical activity and nutrition for middle school students. Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. It affects more than 30 percent of children, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood. This number has more than tripled since 1980.
Childhood obesity is a health issue. Today, more and more children are being diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and other co-morbid conditions associated with obesity and morbid obesity.
In Los Angeles County, 22.9% of students attending public schools in grades 5, 7 and 9 are obese, and an additional 19.4% are overweight. (Source: LA Health Trends 1999-2007, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, July 2008)
Key Guidelines for Children and Adolescents
Children and adolescents should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity daily.
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Aerobic: Most of the 60 or more minutes a day should be either moderate or vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity, and should include vigorous-intensity physical activity at least 3 days a week.
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Muscle-strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle-strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days of the week.
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Bone-strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include bone-strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days of the week.
(Source: CDC.org)
Stay Fit Resources
Explore these sites for more information on adolescent fitness.
Kidnetic.com for Kids
Kidnetic.com is a cool site for kids like you — kids who like to play hard and have fun. Kidnetic.com lets you tap into your own energy so you can feel great all day long.
KidsHealth Comes From Nemours
The award-winning KidsHealth comes from Nemours, one of the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to children's health.
