Here is a topic that is of great interest to myself and the rest of my staff at Studio Element.  The childhood obesity rates are alarmingly increasing in America and seem to be even more so in Saint Louis.  When I was young, recess and gym time was so much more prevalent and now it is almost non-existent.

According to the CDC website, in a study done from 1976-1980 and 2003-2006, for children aged 2–5 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 12.4%; for those aged 6–11 years, prevalence increased from 6.5% to 17.0%; and for those aged 12–19 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 17.6%.  As the number ONE killer in America, obesity is linked to a whole host of health complications including diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and several others.

Here is another graph from the CDC website indicating the prevalence of obesity, ages 2-19, over the last four decades.

The bottom line is that we, as parents, need to take responsibility and educate ourselves and our children how to make better choices, become involved in active activities, and to develop these life skill to use throughout a lifetime.  With the dwindling exercise opportunities at schools, it is imperative to involve your children in other activities to keep them active whether it is sports leagues, family hikes, or a fitness program specifically designed for children as offered by Studio Element Personal Training.