Children mirror the lifestyle choices we make

Published 10:13 am Wednesday, July 16, 2008

One of the largest studies of its kind conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association tracked 1,000 U.S. children from 2000 to 2006 to record activity levels.

Average levels of moderate to vigorous activity fell from three hours a day at age 9 to less than one hour at age 15, according to the study. Researchers said their study revealed the drop-off age for exercise set in at about 15 for both boys and girls.

When schools drop physical education classes and sports and riding bicycles are replaced by video games and TV, the results are not surprising.

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This is one of many studies showing what most Americans already know — obesity and unhealthy lifestyles are on the rise in our society, and these patterns begin at an early age.

Not only should the federal and state governments reassess their priorities in education funding for schools, but parents at home should set a good example for their children.

Kids learn by example, and eating and exercise patterns are no different. When we do not make healthy choices in our own lives, how can we expect our children to do otherwise?