Rationale
Children and teenagers in the United States are heavier than ever before, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Between 1963 and 1980, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that approximately 7 percent of children ages 6 to 11 and 5 percent of children ages 12 to 19 were overweight. Between 1988 and 1994, that percentage jumped to 11 percent in both age groups. Data released in March 2001 showed a continuing climb. The negative repercussions are clear, including a disturbing climb in the number of children developing type 2 diabetes at an early age.
School is an ideal setting in which to teach students about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition and healthful physical activity. However, decreasing budgets have put the squeeze on health education funding. Step-n-Smartly offers schools an effective, inexpensive way to incorporate physical activity into the core curriculum while meeting state learning objectives.
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