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Step 1: Move off the couch!
According to 2005 statistics compiled by the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control, 37 percent of New York State youth self-reported that they did not participate in vigorous physical activity in three or more days out of seven. Further, 78 percent of New York State youth self-reported that they did not participate in moderate physical activity in five or more days out of seven. And almost 85 percent of New York State youth self-reported they did not have daily physical education. Studies also show preschool and childhood obesity is rising. Additional reports state that most overweight children have at least one major physiological risk factor, besides being overweight, and they are likely to have abnormally thick heart muscle tissues as adults, which increases the risk of heart attack and heart failure.
Step 2: Take action!
Getting active can help reduce these risks and we’ve listed some ideas for getting fit:
| Pre-K to 2nd Grade | |
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A - Swingset/playground B - Gardening (with parent) C - Walk around the block (with parent) D - Make a sandcastle E - 25 jumping jacks F - Jump rope G - Hopscotch H - Tag/manhunt I - Jogging in place for 5 minutes J - Swimming K - Miscellaneous _________ |
5 points 5 points 5 points 5 points 5 points 10 points 10 points 10 points 10 points 10 points 5 points |
| 3rd Grade - 5th Grade | |
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A - Miniature golf B - Bowling C - Shoot 10 foul shots D - Jogging/running (for 10 minutes) E - Swimming (for 15 minutes) F - Soccer/Football/Baseball/ Basketball/Hockey G - Shoot 25 foul shots H - 25 push-ups or 25 sit-ups I - Bike riding/skateboarding J - Rollerblading/rollerskating K - Miscellaneous________ |
5 points 5 points 5 points 5 points 5 points 5 points 10 points 10 points 10 points 10 points 5 points |
Web sites providing facts and figures about staying healthy
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp
American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org
President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: www.fitness.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: www.hhs.gov