Kid Fitness is a comprehensive program that includes an interactive public television series, school programs and a website, all of which have a mission to engage, educate and inspire children to make healthy choices on their own regarding physical activity and nutrition.
The live, interactive and award-winning public television series, for two to eight year olds, features a super health hero and his animal friends on a tropical jungle set. Shot in High Definition, each episode incorporates movement, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, original music and edu-adventure storylines designed to get children moving and developing healthy habits to help prevent sedentary lifestyles, obesity and health related issues. To listen to original songs and to view lyrics please click here.
In addition to educating children to become proactive in their physical activity and nutrition, the show builds brain muscle too. Segments feature age appropriate concepts in the sciences (physical, biological, zoological), and in geographic and multicultural literacy. Social issues that affect children such as sharing, telling the truth, team work, bullying, and caring for the environment are Interwoven into the storylines. Each Kid FitnessT episode features a "Spin the Globe" segment that takes viewers on trips to locations around the world where they learn about other cultures, customs and languages. An Animal Book feature introduces basic concepts on a multitude of species, from birds to gorillas. Kid Fitness T sometimes uses his X-ray vision to give kids the" inside story" on what happens within their bodies, or what's really in the food that they eat.
The physical activity and movement, which follow NASPE (National Association for Sport and Physical Education) national guidelines, are created by fitness and education experts and are reviewed by recognized content authorities.
To insure quality of content, we have an Advisory Board consisting of medical, nutrition, education and fitness professionals working closely with us. Please click on ADVISORY BOARD for more information.
Again, what is most important about Kid FitnessT is that it's truly interactive. Focus group after focus group show that children actually get up and become physically active participants while viewing the program.
"I put on the Kid Fitness DVD in my waiting room and kids instantly became little crawling crabs, mermaids, kangaroos and frogs. Best of all, parents were glued to the TV and wouldn't leave!" --Pediatrician, NY
Movement Improves Academic Performance and Cognition
Multiple studies have shown that regular physical activity-at least 60-minutes per day according to the President's Council on Fitness and Sports-results in improved academic performance.
Physical activity has significant benefits according a study by James Pollatschek and Frank Hagen which states, "Children engaged in daily physical education show superior motor fitness, academic performance and attitude toward school as compared to their counterparts who do not participate in daily physical education."
CHILDHOOD OBESITY TODAY - A growing concern
Childhood Obesity Epidemic
. Between 1980 and 2000, the prevalence of overweight children doubled; the prevalence of overweight adolescents tripled.
. 60% of overweight 5 to 10-year-olds had at least one cardiovascular risk factor such as elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, or elevated insulin levels. (Freedman, Dietz, Srinivasan, & Berenson, 1999)
. Researchers found that lowered self-esteem was associated with being overweight in children as young as 5.
Many adverse health effects associated with being overweight are observed in children and adolescents, including, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic complications, psycho-social effects and sleep apnea. Links have also been made between cognitive skills, weight and physical activity. "Inactive children are likely to become inactive adults," warns the American Heart Association.
Get Active with Your Kids
A study by Hilde Bruch, published in the Pediatric Annals, sees home life as a factor. "To understand the obese child, one needs to remember that he accumulated his extra weight while living in a family that, wittingly or unwittingly, encouraged overeating and inactivity."
|
