OBESITY EPIDEMIC

One-third of American children are overweight or obese.

Today’s children are the first generation likely to have shorter life spans than their parents.

Though obesity is a preventable disease, it’s shocking how many children in this country are far from fit and healthy. Now the most prevalent chronic disease of childhood, obesity’s problems are exacerbated by increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and asthma.

Yet just sixty minutes of active movement each day makes a world of difference to a child’s health (see "Read" on sidebar). Besides helping kids feel good about themselves, exercise and fitness:

• Reduce stress
• Promote strong bones, joints and muscles
• Help children get a good night’s sleep
• Refocus attention and change mood
• Heighten capacity for learning

"When overweight sedentary kids start to exercise regularly, their ability to think, plan and do math improves," according to the Connecticut State Department of Health. When combined with healthy eating choices, activity helps overweight and obese children shed extra pounds, revive flagging energy and awaken appreciation for their physical lives.

Concerned about kids’ health? Think Recess Rocks. Our flexible program options infuse each day—during and after school—with seamless sustained movement periods and brief activity breaks that complement your curriculum and schedule. Before you know it, you get kids moving the full sixty minutes and empower their path to lifelong physical and academic wellbeing.

Fight childhood obesity in your community. Contact us today.