Only one in four kids gets half an hour of exercise daily
Today's children are plugging into TV, the Internet, CD players -- everything but exercise. Obesity in children can no longer be considered just "baby fat." It's one of the most serious health problems facing U.S. youth, because it's accompanied by skyrocketing levels of life-threatening heart disease, cancer and diabetes later in life.

In the 1960s and '70s, approximately five percent of children were too fat; today the number could be as high as 25 percent. The main culprits behind childhood obesity will come as no surprise: television and computer use. A government survey of more than 4,000 children ages eight to 16 found that those who watch four or more hours of TV daily are fatter than those who watch two hours or less. To make things worse, about 40 percent of commercials during children's shows are for fast food and other high-fat items.

But pulling the plug on the TV won't remove all the obstacles to exercise. Parents, fearing for their kids' safety, are scared to allow children to kick a ball
around a park.

Get your little potatoes off the couch
Here are a few ways to help your children get more exercise.

• Become more active yourself. Children of active parents are more active and continue to be so throughout life.
• Make time for exercise. Limit hours spent on TV, computer games and surfing the Internet.
• Encourage their exercise efforts. Make sure your kids have proper equipment and transportation to and from activities.
• Talk about exercise. Find out what fitness goals your kids want to achieve.
• Help make a match. Kids have a variety of exercise choices, so let your child check out all the options. An overweight child, for example, may find
  running difficult, but may enjoy biking or swimming.
• If safe and practical, leave the car in the garage and encourage children to walk or bike.
• Once a week (or at least once a month), go to the park with your children.
• On vacation, plan physical activities, such as rowing, hiking or swimming.
• On birthdays, give gifts like running shoes or in-line skates.