Youth Obesity Reaches All-Time High. ISSA Announces a National Solution

The number of obese children reached an all-time high, as of September, 2003, reports the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). ISSA is leading the cause to help youth get fit by encouraging personal trainers, health clubs, community centers, and teachers to work with kids after school. "After school activities are the key to getting kids away from TV and ...

Santa Barbara , CA -- October 17, 2003 -- The number of obese children reached an all-time high, as of September 2003, reports the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).

"This is troubling because if children are our future, we're in big trouble. Obese and physically unfit kids will become sick adults," says Dr. Sal Arria, CEO of ISSA, the southern California-based fitness education provider that certifies personal fitness trainers.

Dr. Arria went on to report, "youth obesity dramatically increases the risk factors for diabetes, high blood pressure, and a host of other potentially deadly conditions that develop later in one's life; but there is a simple solution after school physical activities."

ISSA is leading the cause to help youth get fit by encouraging personal trainers, health clubs, community centers, and teachers to work with kids after school. "After school activities are the key to getting kids away from TV and video games and into an active lifestyle," Dr Arria suggests. "Once kids find activities and sports they enjoy, their self-esteem improves dramatically and chances are they will remain active for the rest of their lives; but you've got to start them young," says Dr. Arria.

The ISSA offers a youth fitness certification program for anyone interested in helping kids get involved in after school activities. World-renowned exercise physiologist, Dr. Thomas Fahey, is the author of the curriculum of The Youth Fitness Trainer Certification program.

At www.youthfitness.com several free reports are available to help educate teachers, parents, and even medical practitioners in your community. The site also features great tasting healthy nutritional alternatives as well as ways to make exercise fun.

For further information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Sal Arria contact: International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

Contact Information:

Rochelle Yoshida
Director of Public Relations for the ISSA
Email: rochelle@issaonline.com
Toll-free: 1-800-892-4772
International: (805) 884-8111

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