Helping Children Stay Fit (NAPSA)—If you’re worried that your children are turning into couch potatoes, remember this tip: Keeping kids fit may have less to do with how much T'V they watch than it does with how they watchit. According to the U.S. Depart- ment of Education, American children watch an average of three to five hours of TV a day. This inac- tive TV watching (or “couch potatoism”) has been linked to obesity. In fact, many cite it as a con- tributing factor towards some startling statistics: Nine million children between ages 6 and 19 are overweight and 10 percent of children between 2 and 5 are overweight. In addition, many children aren't getting their recom- mended 30 minutes per day of exercise. These statistics may have lasting effects. “One of the most significant concerns from a public health perspective is that we know lot of children who are overweight grow up to be overweight or obese adults, and thus at greater risk for some major health problems such as heart disease and dia- betes,” said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Dr. Julie Gerberding. “Onecritical answer to this problem is that we all must work together to help our children make physical activity a lifelong habit.” That’s where the right kind of TV watching comes in. Parents can find fun programs that en- courage children to get up and Parents can use TV to help turn their “couch potatoes” into “jumping beans.” move. For instance, JJUMP is a series of videotapes and DVDs designed to help children increase flexibility and endurance, develop motor skills and improve coordination. Perhaps more important, though, it could help kids develop healthy habits that may last a lifetime. The series consists of three 30- minute videos or DVDs set to music. When children watch, they're encouraged to get off the couch, dance around and have fun. The DVDs and tapes also come with a wall chart that helps kids and parents track children’s JJUMPing, healthy eating and fun play. The chart can be a good way to celebrate children’s health accomplishments—and help build kids’ confidence. For more information, visit www.jumptothemusic.com.
