Most experts point out that an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, coupled with poorer nutrition choices, is contributing to the growing number of teens who are considered unhealthy or overweight. Additionally, some physicians estimate that nearly 75% of the medical cases they see are, in some way, anxiety related. This is a sobering statistic when we realize that 70% of our nation's teenagers consider themselves to be "stressed".

The effects that teen obesity has on health can begin in the teen years and extend throughout a lifetime if not checked. Here are some of the common health conditions thought to have teen obesity as a risk factor:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Asthma
• Sleep problems, including sleep apnea
• Orthopedic (bone) problems
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heat disease
• Psychological problems associated with poor body image

from TeenHelp.com

During our Summer Youth Program, 85% of our youth workers say they are much more active during their internship than they were before they started. Not only are they worked hard in the garden, they also enjoy other forms of physical activity through our many team-building games and exercises.

Our work is fun, motivating, rigorous, and a near-guarantee of a good night's sleep!