1. Introduction

With today's current trend of "sit-down" activities, America's facing a grim reality—our youth population is not as physically fit as we thought it was. In tests done to determine strength, endurance and physical ability today's youth scored very poorly. It is not uncommon to read about a teenager succumbing to a heart attack while performing intense physical training. Passivity has a strong foothold on the youth of today. With the availability of video games, television, computers and all the other leisure devices, our children are gradually becoming less and less capable of sustaining any substantial physical activity.

Many children who dwell in the large industrialized cities throughout the U.S.A. (and elsewhere) are being deprived of experiencing the "real" outdoors. They have no working knowledge of nature—no connection whatsoever with wildlife and many could not even tell you where the food they consume came from.

It is very disturbing to think that the vast majority of our youth are daily ingesting pseudo-foods and would rather die before they sample some wholesome foods. The parents in today's fast-paced, make-a-quick-buck society are relinquishing their obligation of protecting and taking care of their children and are oftentimes leaving their children's dietary needs to the whims of the junk food manufacturers and physicians who are less informed about nutrition than even they are. It is no big surprise when our children are constantly placed on the treadmill of visiting doctors to having no stamina at all in accomplishing the simplest physical task.

Parents, your children are being victimized and so are you. It is time you grab the reins and take control! Don't allow the manufacturers of trash foods to pollute your children's bodies, nor their minds.

You need to pay close attention to the types of foods you buy, the types of influences that your children receive and last but not least you the parents should be setting the prime examples for your young ones. This includes a rigorous exercise program that you can include your children in.

Natural Hygiene recognizes the value of physical fitness and advocates it as one of the main essentials in life along with a diet of fresh, raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds; fresh air; sunshine; pure water; etc. Natural Hygienists teach that your child needs to spend most of his/her time in an environment that promotes healthful habits and is conducive to building strength and stamina and endurance. This environment would be one where the child derives pleasure in using his/her body to its maximum potential. The sooner you start providing this environment, the better.