Two-thirds of teens aren’t active enough for optimal growth and development. Partly to blame is the time teens spend watching television, playing computer games and surfing the Internet instead of playing outdoors, it adds.

“We have heard and seen enough to know that teens are in trouble,” says Dr. Claire LeBlanc, a member of the Canadian Pediatric Society. “Research shows that only 36 per cent of Canadians under age 19 are active enough to maintain cardiovascular health. The disease process leading to osteoporosis (brittle-bone disease), hypertension and cardiovascular disease begins in childhood if physical activity levels are insufficient.” (more…)