Glencoe Health © 2007

Introduction:
Is physical fitness a priority in your life? At this Web site, you will discover some startling statistics about youth and physical fitness and learn about the benefits of physical activity and how communities can encourage physical activity for youth. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is very concerned about the numbers of American teens who do not get regular exercise and addresses this problem in their Web site.

Links to explore:
CDC: Physical Activity and Health, Adolescents and Young Adults
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/adoles.htm

Directions:

• Read the CDC Fact Sheet on Adolescent and Young Adult Physical Activity and Health.
• Then answer the following questions:

1.			Name three benefits of regular physical activity.
2.			How many American youths are not vigorously active on a regular basis?
3.			Statistically, does participation in physical activity increase or decrease as teens get older?
4.			On average, are boys or girls more physically active?
5.			Name a moderate physical activity that the CDC Fact Sheet suggests might be beneficial for teens.