Youth Fitness is on the Decline – We Can Change This!

Youth fitness has been declining for more than a decade, and childhood obesity is at an all-time high. Here’s some pretty scary statistics:

• Most adults throughout the United States follow a sedentary lifestyle. Since children tend to follow the example of adults in their lives, it isn’t too surprising that most children are sedentary as well.
  
• The good news is that young people are slightly more active than adults, yet most still don’t engage in recommended daily levels of physical activity.
  
• According to the latest Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report,
  • Kids Do Not Exercise Regularly: North Carolina is slightly worse than the national average in youth 10 – 17 who exercise regularly (51% to 49%)
  • High Levels of Childhood Obesity: 30% of North Carolina youth 10 – 17 are obese.
  • A Shocking Number Are Not in Very Good or Excellent Health: And  11% of North Carolina youth and teens are NOT in very good or excellent health. This is slightly higher than the national average of one in 10.

These metrics, which are the latest available, were completed before the COVID 19 pandemic. I suspect we could see even more of a slide due to closures and social distancing.

In fact, the full impact on youth physical AND mental health remains to be seen. Preliminary research suggests that there’s a tidal wave of physical and mental health needs coming from youth, especially youth from vulnerable and historically marginalized communities.

Regular physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Now more than ever I encourage everyone to show their support for physical education in their community schools. Whether through in-person or online learning, daily physical activity is vital for our youth.

It’s relatively easy to add some extra movement into your family life. Take an after dinner walk as a family. Rather than watch Netflix, check out a new park or hiking trail in your area. Teach your dog how to play frisbee. And while hectic schedules can force families to search for takeout options, local grocery stores often provide healthier takeout options.