The Henry the Sports Bug series was created out of a personal and powerful desire to introduce sports, exercise, and healthy choices to young children in a fun, educational, and non-manipulative way.
Research has shown that participating in sports can have a healthy developmental impact on the following aspects of children’s lives:
- Creating friendships
- Having fun while promoting positive competitive spirit
- Developing the courage to try new things
- Enjoying the benefits of a healthy lifestyle
Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate from 1963. With good reason, childhood obesity is now the No. 1 health concern among parents in the United States, topping drug abuse and smoking.
Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. These include high blood pressure, Type-2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. There are also psychological effects: Obese children are more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image, and depression.
Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona characterized the threat as follows:
“Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.”
