Phelps Promotes Kids Fitness

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

28 Aug 2008 01:10 PM

Golden boy Michael Phelps just returned to U.S. soil yesterday and his next mission doesn't involve winning medals; rather the muscular swimming sensation says he wants to save your child from obesity.

Phleps flew back to the United States Wednesday and he is wasting no time promoting children's fitness. This morning he got back into the water for the first time since becoming the winningest Olympic athlete in history. But, the part man-part fish specimen didn't do so to get in his daily swim; rather the 23-year-old was trying to encourage young kids to embrace the sport of swimming the way he did when he was a youngster.

While the main focus of Phelps' visit was to promote swimming, he says the other reason he was so fired up to meet with the kids was because he's concerned that too many of them are turning into couch potatoes that are more interested in playing football on TV screens than going outside and participating in a real game.

It's true there has been an explosion in childhood obesity in the United States during the last decade. According to researchers, one out of four children are overweight or obese in the U.S. Fitness experts warn that the lack of physical activity in children increases health problems and can lead to depression and chronic fatigue. What's more, a new study reveals that in the last two decades the prevalence of overweight teens has tripled.

So, what's causing this national epidemic of sorts?

It's simple say the experts. Excessive weight gain in children can be attributed to too much eating and too little exercise. According to a recent survey, the typical diet of kids today includes an unusually high amount of fast foods, processed and refined foods, sugary treats and soft drinks and not enough fruit, vegetables, dairy foods and whole grains.

As far as physical activity is concerned experts say kids don't get much of that either. Studies show the vast majority of children under the age 16 spend too much time watching TV or playing on the computer instead of playing outdoors. Consequently, doctors say they are seeing an alarming rate of diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and heart disease among children in the United States.

In my next blog I will provide tips on how you can help your children become more active.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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