Educating, Supporting and Empowering Community through Youth Fitness Programs, Nutrition and Events

Physical Activity & Academic Success Facts

One out of four Florida high school students is at risk or overweight (FL DOH, 2003).
Overweight often leads to health related problems, increased absenteeism (lower FTE's), and lower academic performance in students. Physical activity and healthful nutrition are key issues to reducing overweight.
300,000 Americans die each year from diseases and health conditions related to sedentary lifestyle or poor eating habits. (Tommy Thompson, Secretary U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, May 8, 2002).
60% of adults and nearly 50% of youth aged 12-21 are not active on a regular basis in America (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services).
In the past 20 years, the number of children who are overweight has nearly tripled (Centers for Disease Control, 2002).
Based on self-reported height and weight, 14.2% of Florida high school students are at risk for overweight and an additional 10.4% are overweight (Florida Department of Health, 2003).

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