Wednesday, December 25, 2002

You are what you eat!

New Study Shows Strong Link Between Teenage Health Habits And Self-Esteem

They're all age-old phrases used by parents everywhere'eat your vegetables', 'floss your teeth', 'go to bed'. Parents are constantly advising kids to develop these healthy habits. But despite this, a new survey reveals kids are not following that advice. . . . and it shows.

It has become increasingly difficult to get today's kids to eat healthy and partake in regular exercise. According to "Be HealthyBe Fit," a CIGNA study of school age kids ages 9 through 19, fewer than half are consuming the recommended daily servings of veg+etables. 25 percent do not floss their teeth and one-third of students sleep less than 8 hours a day. And, only one in four students is getting adequate exercise.

With diabetes and heart disease on the rise among younger Americans, studies show that habits we have as kids can determine how healthy we are as adults. That's why we need to gain a greater understanding of the health behaviors of youth, and it's so important for parents to set a good example when it comes to health habits.

The study also shows that kids who eat well tend to have a positive self-image and express their anger with words not actions. Students who have problems releasing anger are often those who watch the most television and play the most video games.

Conducted each fall, CIGNA's Be HealthyBe Fit survey measures the health and fitness behavior of students nationwide CIGNA has also provided two kid-friendly healthy recipes and tips for parents, which can be found at www.cigna.com.