Presidential Fitness Testing

National Significance

Obesity and other lifestyle-related health problems have become increasingly fatal epidemics striking America's population in recent years. Though perhaps the most shocking and horrifying statistics can be found in the infection rates among our country's children. In fact, according to the data collected by The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, an estimated 16.9% of children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese and the prevalence is increasing (CDC, 2011). With similar trends present in childhood diabetes rates (among others), these regrettable results are certainly staggering and thus a call for major concern. Nevertheless, many continue to believe that a child's "free will" is culpable, noting children's propensities for unhealthy food and drink consumption as well as decreases in levels of physical activity. However, many education professionals believe that this "instinctual" trend can be reversed through an active approach to fitness...
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