Sue Scheff: Teens Taking the Guard Fit Challenge Program - Get Healthy Today

We are hearing more about childhood obesity and teen obesity. More and more teens and kids are technically connected however not getting outside and exercise! Summer is almost here and it is time to get involved in physical education. During Physical Fitness Month, take the time to learn more about staying healthy and eating right.

The Guard Fit Challenge and the Physical Fitness Month

Did you know that May is National Physical Fitness and Sports month? What better time than the present to begin to help your teens understand the value and benefits of being physically fit. And thanks to the Army National Guard's Guard Fit Challenge, helping your teen set and achieve fitness goals has never been easier.

Fitness Resources for Students, Young Adults, Teachers, and Parents

Whether you are a student who is starting to think about fitness, a young adult passionate about reaching your fitness goals, a teacher who is looking to inspire students, or a parent looking for additional resources to help improve the health of your family, the videos, calculators, and other resources offered by the Guard Fit Challenge Program can help you reach your goals.

Celebrating Presidential Physical Fitness Month

During this Presidential Physical Fitness Month, why not spend some time exploring all of the resources that are available to you. Schools can bring the Guard Fit Challenge Program to their students. Students and members of the community can access resources on the Guard Fit Challenge website. And everyone can learn more about The President's Challenge.

Common FAQs about Guard Fit Challenge:

Q: The students in my physical education class are on many different fitness levels, and some may not be able to do all of the exercises in the program. Can they still participate?

Guard Fit Challenge is designed to benefit and motivate every student in your class. The Army National Guard representative is prepared with alternate exercises for students who may not be able to execute some or all of the planned exercises. The presenter also talks to the students about avoiding injury while working out, and makes sure to ask if anyone has any injuries or conditions that need to be considered before participating in Guard Fit Challenge.

Q: What curriculum standards can Guard Fit Challenge help my school meet?

Guard Fit Challenge offers high schools the opportunity to meet national standards including Movement Forms, Physical Fitness, and Setting Goals for Good Health. Visit the Curriculum Standards section of this website to learn more.

Q: I don't want to join the National Guard, so why should I care about being Guard Fit?

No matter what path you take, physical fitness enables you to perform to your potential. Participating in Guard Fit Challenge can help you develop a new physical fitness routine, improve the way you work out, and set a foundation for a healthy future.

Q: I'm an Army National Guard Soldier, and I need a fitness boost before my next APFT. What resources are available to me?

In addition to the health and fitness information on the Guard Fit Challenge website, you can also join the Army National Guard Decade of Health community to learn more about Soldier health and wellness. And be sure to check out your copy of GX magazine for monthly fitness features, and get in touch with your local Master Fitness Trainer, who can offer personal fitness advice.

Related Articles:

Parenting to Prevent Obesity
Food Revolution and Your Teens
Teens and Physical Education
Just Turn it Off
Let's Move Campaign

Read more.

Sue Scheff: Parenting to pervent obesity - Get up and get moving

Helping your kids get and stay healthy isn't always easy in today's generation. It's hard for them to resist the unhealthy snacks, sodas and fast food that seem to be all around them. It's also tough to get them away from the television and computer screens and find places for them to play outside and exercise.

As Food Revolution has hit the airwaves and Let's Move Campaign has taken off by our First Lady, parents and kids alike are becoming more aware of healthy eating and the need for exercise.

Alliance for a Healthier Generation has a comprehensive website with tips and valuable information for schools, teachers, parents and children!

Part of parenting to prevent obesity is learning to just turn it off! Screen time is not just TV, it includes watching DVDs, playing video games, texting or surfing the Internet. All that time in front of a screen crowds out time for regular physical activity-and experts say that children should get at least 60 minutes of activity or more every day.

That means there has to be a balance between screen time and physical activity. Remember, sitting in front of a screen can also encourage snacking on unhealthy foods. So start by limiting your child's screen time and you can help crank up your kids' energy, re-charge their minds and improve their health.

Be an educated parent, you will have healthier children!

Read more and learn about getting your family in motion!

Sue Scheff: Childhood Obesity - Food Revolution, French Fries Are a Veggie?

As Jamie Oliver's new show continues to explode with the reality of how unhealthy eating can effect our lives and shorten them, one of his recent episodes shocked us as he was told that "French fries count as a vegetable".

Maybe this is not shocking to some dieticians, however to many people this was a moment of that left us scratching our heads. You mean greasy French fries are considered a veggie? Seems strange, however that is exactly what a food service director stated on Food Revolution in an elementary school in Huntington, West Virginia.

So do French fries count as a vegetable? Yes, they do, according to the government.

French fries have been on the list of "fresh" vegetables since 1996 under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. They are considered fresh because they fall short of the guidelines that would qualify them as "processed."

"When I found out that a French fry was considered a vegetable, it insulted me, it upset me, and it was a small little inkling as to why maybe we have the problems that we've got," said Jamie Oliver.

If you would like to do something about making a change, you can start by signing Jamie's Petition.

First Lady Michelle Obama is also promoting healthy eating options, exercise and education on making better food choices with the Let's Move Campaign which she recently brought to South Florida.

Be an educated parent, you will have healthier teens and children.

Watch video for the French fry controversy. Read more.