One in Three Teens Out of Shape

 

Here's a scary thought: A study says that one out of every three American teenagers is so out of shape that even climbing stairs leaves him or her winded! This is especially unacceptable given that during our teen years we should be in the best physical shape of our lives. Researchers from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago say this unhealthy trend is setting our teens up for a lifetime of serious health problems. While none of the kids in their study showed signs of such problems as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, the researchers say it's simply a matter of time before their inactive lifestyles catch up to them.

So what can you as a parent do? Encourage your teens to get moving in small ways. Challenge them to park in the spot farthest from the store, take the stairs whenever possible, or spend an hour outdoors instead of sitting in front of the television. Show them how these little changes can add up to big payoffs when it comes to their health. Remember, your teens may think they'll be young forever, but you know differently! Help them get on a healthy path now so they'll have healthy years later!

 

Thought for the Day:

Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know! An optimistic outlook can awaken you to new possibilities that often are buried by self-doubt and negativity!