The Surgeon Generals Report indicates that more than half of American youth ages 12 to 21 are not vigorously active on a regular basis. Participation in all types of physical activity declines strikingly as age or grade in school increases. Inactivity is more common among females (14%) than males (7%). The United States is the most obese nation in the world Obesity costs U.S Companies as much as $45 Billion a year. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States. In 2009, 752,091 people died of heart disease. In 2009, heart disease is projected to cost more than $304.6 billion, including health care services, medications, and lost productivity. Worldwide, coronary heart disease killed more than 7.6 million people in 2005.

Exercise combats chronic disease. Exercise can help you prevent or manage high blood pressure, osteoporosis, bad cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Exercise boosts your energy level. Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. Regular physical activity helps your entire cardiovascular system work more efficiently, providing you with more energy to do things you enjoy. Exercise improves your mood. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. (physical activity fights depression and promotes positive self esteem). Exercise can be fun. Exercise doesn’t have to be unpleasant or boring. Exercise can include skate boarding, skiing, rock climbing, walking your dog, or playing golf. Exercise helps you manage your weight. When you participate in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.

Why again is physical education and staying active important?

Because your well-being depends on it. You’ll look and feel better, every day.