HAWC promotes fitness for children

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. James Ramirez
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- --  The childhood that children of today lead is quite different than past generations.

With television, video games, the internet and other technological advances kids do not have the same motivation to play outdoors and exercise as before, noted Rey Torres, Laughlin Health and Wellness Center exercise physiologist.

Torres has decided to do something about this problem. Torres explained and demonstrated exercises with Tech. Sgt. Mike Kearns, 47th Medical Group Aerospace Physiology, for more than 400 students during two days at Cardwell Elementary School as part of celebrity fitness week.

Jose Nieto, Cardwell Elementary teacher and fitness coordinator, worked with Torres to make the event happen. "We want to make sure that we start placing fitness in our kid's lives early so that it becomes a life-long focus," said Nieto. "Physical fitness should be a part of the children and their parent's lifestyle."

"According to the American Medical Association child obesity rates stand at 17%," said Torres. "That is why it is important to continue educating our youth about living a healthy lifestyle at such an early age. If we can instill physical activity, promote proper nutrition and learn life lessons about healthy lifestyles, we can reverse this epidemic."