adults in Bermuda do not get enough exercise. They get driven to school, work and play, push buttons to get work done and spend much of their spare time in less active pursuits, like watching TV. Yet many people think they are fit because they are always on the go, leading a busy life; however, a busy lifestyle does not produce physical fitness.

Three terms are often used in relation to fitness: physical activity, physical fitness and exercise. Physical activity is "any body movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure''. Exercise is "a subset of physical activity that is planned, structured and repetitive and is done to improve or maintain physical fitness'' and physical fitness is "a set of attributes that are either health or skill-related''.

In this information age we know about the critical role that food and fitness plays in the health and development of children, however, this knowledge does not seem to be translating into action! Although young people view physical activity as fun and enjoyable, many are not physically active.

Health authorities recommend that all children and adolescents participate in 30 minutes or more of moderately intense physical activity -- such as brisk walking, cycling or running daily. Regardless of the type of activity, it should be performed regularly and at a level of exertion to increase a young person's heart rate for 30 minutes. Time spent can be continuous or in blocks of 10 minutes to total 30 minutes or more a day.

Being physically active improves health in all sorts of ways. It lowers blood pressure, increases "good'' cholesterol, helps reduce body fat, and increases bone density. It also improves aerobic endurance and muscular strength.

Increased physical activity results in young people burning more calories so enabling them to eat more and have more food choices.

Physical activity among adolescents is consistently related to higher levels of self-esteem and self-concept and lower levels of anxiety and stress.

Additionally, exercise provides young people with opportunities for fun, social interaction and skill development. Regular physical activity may even improve a young person's cognitive function and academic performance.

Parental support is an important determinate of physical activity among young people. Parents attitudes toward physical activity may influence a child or adolescents involvement in physical activity. Parents should be role models and try to be physically active themselves and plan and participate in family activities.

Fun activities might include walking or riding on the railway trail or swimming or team sports such as football or cricket, etc.

It is important to remember that young people develop at different stages and that it takes time and practice for some young people to develop athletic skills. Don't give up, some children may be late bloomers. Encourage physical activities that are appropriate to the age-specific abilities and interests of your child. Not all children like team sports or all activities. You need to match your child to an appropriate sport or activity.

Recent studies indicate that lack of physical activity plays a major role in the development of overweight and obesity in young people. TV viewing is a major cause of inactivity in Bermuda. In a study conducted by Walton Brown, he found that 60.8 percent of our secondary students watched three or more hours of TV each day with 29 percent viewing no less than five hours daily. This means that many of our teens spend more time watching TV each week than they do in the classroom! Studies indicate that children expend more energy "doing nothing'' than when watching TV. As far as the body is concerned, you may as well be asleep. A student watching an hour of TV would expend 50 calories versus 66 doing school work or 265 calories if they went for a brisk walk! Parents need to limit TV viewing and video games to no more than one to two hours a day.

One of the most important benefits of physical activity during childhood and adolescents is its potential to persist through life. So encourage your child to become physically fit. Join with the Bermuda Dietetic Association during nutrition week April 28th to May 3rd for "It's all about you...food, fitness and youth'' -- Nutrition Week 1997.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL ISSUES HTH