The number of overweight children in America is growing at a phenomenal rate. The number of obese children in America has doubled since the 1976! Kids are spending more time on computers, playing video games, watching TV and less time exercising. Today's busy family is eating out more and eating less wholesome home cooked meals.

Kids who exercise and enjoy sports tend to stay active throughout their lives. Staying fit can help your child's self-esteem and decrease the risk of serious illnesses later in life. Aerobic exercise increases the flow of oxygen throughout the body and elevates the heart rate. After twenty minutes of exercise the body begins to burn the body's stored fat. Aerobic exercise should be fun for both grown-ups and children. Try to start a daily habit doing one or more of the following suggestions with your child:

To improve health and burn fat, people should exercise for 20 to 30 minutes three to five times a week.
 

The USDA suggests that children have a maximum of 6 tablespoons of sugar per day. One can of soda pop contain 3 tablespoons. Foods that are high in sugar also tend to be high in calories and fat and low in other valuable nutrients. Nancy Appleton, Ph. D., author of LICK THE SUGAR HABIT list many reasons sugar can ruin children's health.
Here are a few:

For further info:
Why Sugar Ruins Your Family

124 Ways Sugar Can Destroy Your Health
 
 

Sleep improves children's memory, their physical performance, and is the time the body releases growth hormones. Sleep gives the body time for healing, recuperating and growth. A good night's sleep help children emotionally and in their daily social skills. Deep sleep helps encode learning and improve learning. Tips for a good night's sleep include: