"Millions of our children - the majority of them in lower to middle class homes - face the prospect of serious diseases and shortened life spans because of sedentary living and poor nutrition. And the situation appears to be worsening."

Dr. Kenneth Cooper, MD., M.P.H.

• Only 2% of the 18 million school children taking the Presidents' Fitness Test were fit enough to receive the award.
  Academy of Pediatrics
  
  
• There are 11 million obese children ages 6 - 11. Obesity has doubled in the last 10 years.
  Harvard School of Public Health
  
  
Results for the 1990 global Fitness Test for Children
Children passing the test: Europe 92% America 38%


• At least 40% of 5-to 8-year olds show one or more risk factors for heart disease - including elevated cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity - health issues rarely seen until recently in anyone under the age of thirty.
  
  
• Lack of exercise can send a child into a downward spiral leading to obesity, ridicule, loss of self confidence and serious health problems in adulthood. "Childhood is where to patterns are developed for life long living. We know that physical activity is extremely important for good health and specifically for the prevention of coronary heart disease in adults."
  Dr. Joyce Lashof - Univ. California-Berkeley
  
  
• The average American child watches 24 hours of television per week.
  Neilsen Rating Service