Disturbing News

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that leisure activity among today's children is "increasingly sedentary," with wide availability of entertainment such as television, videos, and computer games.

In addition, with increasing urbanization, there has been a decrease in frequency and duration of physical activities of daily living for children, such as walking to school and doing household chores.

Changes in availability and requirements of school physical education programs have also generally decreased children's routine physical activity, with the possible exception of children specifically enrolled in athletic programs. All these factors play a potential part in the epidemic of overweight. (AAP Policy Statement PEDIATRICS Vol. 112 No. 2 August 2003, pp. 424-430)

The American Dietetic Association indicates that the "health status of US children has generally improved over the past 3 decades; however, the number of children who are overweight more than doubled. This change has broadened the focus of dietary guidance to address nutrient over consumption, physical activity patterns, and the attainment of optimal health through chronic disease prevention." An epidemic of this proportion requires the help of every man, woman and child in our society. Unfortunately, today's highly competitive, technology driven hectic work and home lifestyle means that most moms and dads don't have time to practice good fitness, nutrition and health habits themselves.

For the first time in U.S. history, research shows that if today's obesity epidemic continues, it could cut as much as two to five years from the average life-span of today's youth. This is a complete reversal in life expectancy trends for our modern age!

Furthermore, statistics from a 2003-2004 U.S. Center for Disease Control & Prevention study, shows that more than 12.5 million children and adolescents (17%) in the United States are overweight or obese. Approximately 30% of children between the ages of 6 and 15 are overweight and half of those are considered obese.

There are many adverse health affects to being overweight including, asthma, Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, bone development issues, psychosocial effects, and Sleep Apnea, to name a few.

Alessi Fitness for Kids is the first organization of its kind that has designed a fitness solution for all kids, regardless of their activity level or interest in athletics or organized sports.