Teens participating in strenuous physical activity in Delaware

Teens were asked the number of days in the past week the participants exercised or participated in physical activity for at least 60 minutes that made them sweat and breathe hard, such as basketball, soccer, running, swimming laps, fast bicycling, fast dancing or similar aerobic activity.

Experts agree that being healthy and fit in adulthood is largely determined by communities that we live in as children. When schools serve nutritious foods and invest time in physical education, they become learning environments that shape strong minds and bodies. When parents don't have access to healthy food because they live in a neighborhood where access to fresh produce and other healthy foods is limited, this makes it almost impossible to offer healthy diets at home. Initiatives such as community gardens can help make healthy food available to everyone. Neighborhood amenities such as parks, recreation center, sidewalks and libraries make it safer for children to engage in physical activity and serve as a vehicle for socializing, increased time outdoors and enhanced quality of life. Schools, parents and communities statewide have the responsibility of promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging positive habits to combat the crucial issue of childhood obesity.

Teens were asked the number of days in the past week the participants exercised or participated in physical activity for at least 60 minutes that made them sweat and breathe hard, such as basketball, soccer, running, swimming laps, fast bicycling, fast dancing or similar aerobic activity.

Experts agree that being healthy and fit in adulthood is largely determined by communities that we live in as children. When schools serve nutritious foods and invest time in physical education, they become learning environments that shape strong minds and bodies. When parents don't have access to healthy food because they live in a neighborhood where access to fresh produce and other healthy foods is limited, this makes it almost impossible to offer healthy diets at home. Initiatives such as community gardens can help make healthy food available to everyone. Neighborhood amenities such as parks, recreation center, sidewalks and libraries make it safer for children to engage in physical activity and serve as a vehicle for socializing, increased time outdoors and enhanced quality of life. Schools, parents and communities statewide have the responsibility of promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging positive habits to combat the crucial issue of childhood obesity.