Childhood obesity is an issue as vexing as it is dangerous. It’s dangerous because of the many serious health risks associated with being over weight, and vexing because despite its controllability, obesity rates in American children have skyrocketed.

According to the American Heart Association, 25 million children and adolescents (ages 2-19) in the United States are overweight or obese. That accounts for nearly 1 in 3 children.

In order to take a stand against childhood obesity and motivate children to become physically fit, Len Saunders, a leader in the field of children’s health and fitness for over 25 years, has committed to making the first Thursday in October an annual Exercise United States Day.

Over 350 schools across the country signed up to participate. Beginning yesterday at 8:00am EST and ending at 3:00pm PST, participating schools each chose one time slot during which students enjoyed 15 minutes of exercise. In total, there were 10 continuous hours of fitness taking place in schools coast to coast. Each school chose its own form of exercise with the goal being to make physical fitness fun and enjoyable for students.

Saunders’ next goal is to organize a 24 hour long exercise relay in schools across the world.

Of course, for Exercise US to truly be considered a success, participating schools will need to see this program as more than just a one shot deal and recognize the importance of incorporating physical fitness into their regular curriculum. (The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children aged 6-17 do at least one hour of physical activity each day.) Unfortunately, especially during tough economic times, physical education programs are often lumped together with arts education programs in the “only marginally important” academic category and are among the first to go when budget cuts are made.

Incorporating regular physical activity into children’s lives isn’t the only way to protect them against the health risks associated with obesity. Diet is equally as important.

In related news, an article in the New York Times reports that a disturbing trend in public schools may slowly be reversing. A 2009 survey by the School Nutrition Association suggests that more than 80% of school districts nationwide cook fewer than half of the lunch entrees they offer students from scratch, relying instead on a cheaper alternative: serving reheated processed food.

Thankfully, some schools, like Middle School 137 in New York–one of the largest in the country–have started offering students healthier and fresher alternatives.  Earlier this year, $100 million in federal stimulus money was set aside to help schools improve their lunch programs. Much of New York City’s share will be used to buy salad bars, deli bars, and refrigerators. Hopefully many more will follow.

Small steps, to be sure, but definitely in the right direction.

(Photo: Jeremy & Susanne’s flickr photostream/Creative Commons)