FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 916.263.3560 commngr(###)dairycouncilofca.org

Sacramento, CA - January 19, 2006 – The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports a critical need for U.S. youth to improve in physical fitness. The Dec. 2005 JAMA states that one out of three U.S. adolescents is physically unfit.

7.5 million U.S. adolescents (12 – 19 years old) are estimated by JAMA researchers to need improved physical fitness. These U.S. youth are at increased risk for multiple health consequences and heart disease - because of overweight and high cholesterol.

A solution to the dire JAMA statistics for “at risk” youth is now available. A new web tool, the Teen BEAT—Basic Exercise & Activity Tracker, provides a targeted personal fitness plan for youth.

This easy-to-use online tool provides individualized feedback, unique to the user’s health and lifestyle practices. The individualized tool quickly analyzes activity level, exercise benefits, readiness to change health habits and personal barriers to exercise.

Youth are prompted to answer questions such as:

• Why is physical activity important to you?
• Why is it hard for you to get regular physical activity?
• What specific physical activity do you get at least once a week?
• Would you like to increase your weekly physical activity?

The Teen BEAT compares the youth’s current activity level to the recommendations from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and prompts users to plan for improvement. Users generate a detailed plan of action, based on their readiness for changing their lifestyle and barriers that will likely impede increased activity.

The Dairy Council of California developed the Teen BEAT to improve youth fitness - based on individual health and lifestyle realities. This web tool was designed by experts, based on a behavior-change model.

The free Teen BEAT—Basic Exercise & Activity Tracker for youth is available on the Dairy Council of California website, at www.dairycouncilofca.org/Tools_PFP_Default.aspx

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Dairy Council of California develops nutrition education programs that are designed to be personally relevant to each user. This customization allows consumers to make decisions considering their unique needs, resulting in healthy food choices and contributing to optimal health. Healthy Eating Made Easier.


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