Every parent wants their child to get the proper nutrition and physical activity they need to grow and be their best. However, childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and is linked to nutrient-poor, or "junk food" diets, and not getting enough daily physical activity.^{1, 2} That's why we're asking you to support Fuel Up to Play 60, a youth-led, in-school program that is unique because it empowers students to take an active role in making healthy eating and physical activity changes.

How Fuel Up to Play 60 Was Created

Provided by National Dairy Council® (NDC) and the National Football League (NFL), the Fuel Up to Play 60 program includes input from youth. So it combines the powerful nutrition expertise of NDC, the fitness expertise and "star power" of the NFL and the "youth power" that students themselves contributed! It is structured so the entire school community — including parents — can help children develop lifelong, healthy habits.

What Healthy Habits Can Do For Your Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends combining healthy eating and physical activity as the optimal approach to obesity prevention and improving children's health.³

Research shows that:

• Climbing obesity rates increase children's risk for diet-related chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. ^4,5,6
• Good nutrition and physical activity habits can lead to better academic achievement and test scores.7

Parents Can Make a Difference

Fuel Up to Play 60 is all about youth leading other youth, with adult support, to expand opportunities for getting 60 minutes of physical activity and increase the availability of nutritious, good tasting foods, such as low-fat or fat-free chocolate milk, whole grain pasta, low-fat or fat-free yogurt and fruit parfaits and salad bars. As a parent, you are a vital part of Fuel Up to Play 60 and school wellness, so we're inviting you to learn about the program, volunteer to help, encourage your child to join in and put the Fuel Up to Play 60 healthy habits into action at home!

Here's what you can do:

• Learn all about the program from the online resources at www.FuelUpToPlay60.com, click on Learn About the Movement, then click on Individuals.
• Find out if your school is enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60 - ask your principal, or perhaps a teacher.
  • If your school has enrolled in the program, volunteer to help at events, be an adult leader for the students for planning, etc.
  • If your school is not enrolled, approach the person at your school who would be influential in adopting the program. Encourage them to enroll and volunteer to help get the program started.
• Have your child register at www.FuelUpToPlay60.com, whether your school has enrolled or not. That way your child can Take the Pledge to eat healthy and get active 60 minutes a day, use the online tracker and track their healthy behaviors.

References:

1. World Health Organization. Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases. Report of a joint WHO/FAO consultation. Geneva, Switzerland. 2003. Technical report 916. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/trs/WHO_trs_916.pdf, accessed on 2/8/10.
2. Physical activity and the health of young people. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. 2006. http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/physicalactivity/facts.htm, accessed on 2/8/10.
3. American Academy of Pediatrics. Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity. Pediatrics. 2003: 112 (2):424-430.
4. Kumanyika SK, Obarzanek E, Stettler N, Bell R, Field AE, Fortmann SP, Franklin BA, Gillman MW, Lewis CE, Poston WC, Stevens J, Hong Y. Population-based prevention of obesity. The need for comprehensive promotion of healthful eating, physical activity, and energy balance. A scientific statement from American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention, Interdisciplinary Committee for Prevention. Circulation 2008;118:428-64.
5. De Ferranti SD, Gauvreau K, Ludwig D, Neufeld EJ, Newburger JW, Rifai N. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in American adolescents. Findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Circulation, 2004;110:2494-2497.
6. Cruz ML, Goran MI. The metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents. Current Diabetes Reports 2004;4:53-62.
7. Action for Healthy Kids, The Learning Connection: The Value of Improving Nutrition and Physical Activity in Our Schools. Available at http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/resources/files/learning-connection.pdf, accessed on 2/8/10.

© 2010 National Dairy Council®. Fuel Up is a service mark of National Dairy Council. Fuel Up to Play 60 and the Fuel Up to Play 60 logo are trademarks and service marks of the National Football League. © 2010 NFL Properties, LLC. All NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League.