It has become increasingly

difficult to get today's kids to eat healthy and partake in regular exercise.

According to "Be HealthyBe Fit," a CIGNA study of school age

kids ages 9 through 19, fewer than half are consuming the recommended

daily servings of veg+etables. 25 percent do not floss their teeth and

one-third of students sleep less than 8 hours a day. And, only one in

four students is getting adequate exercise.

With diabetes and heart disease

on the rise among younger Americans, studies show that habits we have

as kids can determine how healthy we are as adults. That's why we need

to gain a greater understanding of the health behaviors of youth, and

it's so important for parents to set a good example when it comes to health

habits.

The study also shows that kids

who eat well tend to have a positive self-image and express their anger

with words not actions. Students who have problems releasing anger are

often those who watch the most television and play the most video games.

Conducted each fall, CIGNA's

Be HealthyBe Fit survey measures the health and fitness behavior of students

nationwide CIGNA has also provided two kid-friendly healthy recipes and

tips for parents, which can be found at www.cigna.com.

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