The importance of good nutrition and exercise is well known, and parents have long worried about their children's diets and envied their high energy levels. Like so many life style habits, patterns of nutrition and exercise behaviors are typically established in early childhood. Poor diet and lack of exercise contribute to obesity, which has been…

Children of today may be the first generation in the United States in more than 200 years to have a life expectancy shorter than their parents. Low levels of fitness caused by physical inactivity and poor nutritional habits of many of today's youth may be a contributing factor. Combating low fitness levels with physical activity is of utmost…

This reference brief deals with the childhood antecedents to atherosclerosis and hypertension. While diet is related to the development of coronary artery diseases, there is some disagreement about what dietary changes are necessary or desirable in children to prevent their development, and at what age such changes should be made. Fifty-five…

This hearing was called to highlight the benefits of prevention of major diseases. Witnesses included representatives of the government, science, entertainment, and the fitness industry. Statements were made on the subjects of: (1) nutrition; (2) physical fitness; (3) prevention of heart disease; (4) prevention of cancer; (5) controlling…

Current studies suggest that children today are less physically fit, are more obese, and have less healthy cardiovascular systems than their peers of 10 years ago. Obesity affects more than fitness; it is a major health problem. Physical education specialists, teachers, administrators, parents, and business leaders can cooperate to change this…

Fitness is defined as both freedom from disease and as a state of physical and emotional well being. In 1977, the City of New Rochelle launched City Fit, its own approach to fitness. City Fit was developed to take fitness programs and demonstrations to the general population. (JN)

A synthesis of research findings in exercise and physical fitness is presented to provide the general public with insights into establishing an individualized exercise program. The material is divided into seven subtopics: (1) a general overview of the need for exercise and fitness and how it is an integral part of preventive medicine programs;…

This document reports on the second year of a project developed to improve the cardiovascular health of elementary school children. The project objectives in the second year were to refine and expand the curriculum which included components on cardiovascular health, nutrition, and physical fitness. Increased family awareness and involvement were…

Reviews the objectives from Healthy People 2000 that target children and youth in order to prevent cardiovascular disease in adults, identifying the status of those health objectives midway through the time frame allotted for their attainment and making recommendations for programming in light of whether the objectives will be attained. (SM)

Broad national goals, expressed as reductions in overall death rates or days of disability, have been established as guidelines for private and public sector policy makers in health-related fields. These goals were established through the work of various agencies, organizations, and individuals participating in a Department of Health and Human…

THIS BOOK, WRITTEN FOR PROSPECTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS IN A VARIETY OF SETTINGS, HAS THREE OBJECTIVES--(1) TO INTRODUCE BRIEFLY THE NATURE OF VARIOUS HANDICAPPING CONDITIONS, (2) TO DELINEATE THEIR PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS, AND (3) TO SUGGEST SUITABLE GAMES AND ACTIVITIES. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND, A BASIS FOR UNDERSTANDING THE HANDICAPPED,…

This report completes the series of "Healthy People 2000 Reviews" published to monitor and evaluate U.S. progress toward year 2000 targets. It examines Healthy People 2000 goals (to increase the span of healthy life, reduce health disparities, and achieve access to preventive services); discusses health indicators and priority data…