PROGRESSIVE POWER YOGA IS THE SOLUTION FOR OBESITY IN CHILDREN
THE INCREASING PERCENTAGE OF OBESITY IN CHILDREN IS A GLOBAL CONCERN. YOGA IS PROVING TO BE AN INTELLIGENT, GENTLE, EFFECTIVE, PREVENTATIVE AND THERAPEUTIC TOOL. Mark Blanchard, renowned yoga Master, creator of Progressive Power Yoga and father of three believes it is never too early to begin the fun and healthy practice of yoga.

Blanchard says, "My daughter, Rowan Eleanor, did her first downward dog at 16 months! Kids are remarkably strong, flexible, joyful beings. Yoga is a gift you can give your kids that will keep on giving as they grow, bend and roll into their teenage and adult lives. If they continue to practice yoga, the physical and mental strength, flexibility, focus and joy will be with them forever."

EDUCATE, MOTIVATE AND ENCOURAGE
In a distraction-oriented world it is powerful and positive to educate, motivate and encourage your child to learn the fun and active practice of yoga to help focus and stimulate the strength and coordination of young bodies and minds. Yoga is a positive, non-competitive form of exercise that is especially beneficial and non-threatening to the child struggling with issues of excess weight and low self-esteem.

THE STATISTICS ARE ALARMING
Adolescent Obesity-Global numbers are growing. "Obesity rates in children have doubled over the past decade. Today 14% of all children and 12% of teens are obese." - (US) Centers for Disease Control

"New figures show that over one million UK children under the age of 16 are now classified as obese (very overweight)."

"Obesity is associated with physical inactivity. Sedentary lifestyles and physical  inactivity may  be  risk  factors for obesity in youth. Two factors that have contributed to the decline in the physical activity of many children are a greater reliance on television and computers for entertainment and decreased participation in physical education programs in schools. While obesity itself is not a chronic condition, it is a risk factor for four of the 10 leading causes of death in the US-coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke, and cancer. Because physical activity and dietary habits developed early in life are often carried into adulthood, obesity during childhood or adolescence often persists. The probability that an obese child will become an obese adult increases with age." 

-The Center on an Aging Society, Institute for Health Care Research and Policy at Georgetown University 

TODAY'S KIDS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO LIVE AS LONG AS THEIR PARENTS
Alert!:  Because of the current overweight epidemic in children, for the first time in recent history, today's kids are not expected to live as long as their parents..!

Action!: Parental concern and awareness is crucial to the understanding and prevention of obesity in children. In this multi-media drenched age, youth activity has decreased dramatically-children often spend long, uninterrupted hours in front of the TV and computer; they often have less energy and spend less time socializing; they eat more fast food and less fruits and vegetables.all warning signs that may led to the latest youth epidemic: obesity. The issues at stake are very real and very dangerous. The vital role of balance in life is a core focus in yoga. If true balance in behavior and life approach can be taught at a young age, the deep understanding of it will carry over into the adult years with grace, ease and health. So much of the outer image in both children and adults reflects the inner state of self: active and happy vs. inactive and unhappy. Issues of self-esteem start young. If unhealthy patterns are not addressed early, they will become deeply imbedded in teenage and adult behavior. Practicing yoga at a young age can help kids discover inner joy, strength and body awareness that will serve them well throughout their lives.

PROGRESSIVE POWER YOGA FOR STUDENTS
Mark Blanchard has specifically formulated a program that students of all ages can grow with as they practice. Incorporating Progressive Power Yoga into your daily routine is a proactive step to creating balance in your family life. Exercise and good eating habits are vital to a healthy life. Children often mirror their parents' habits and behaviors. To help your child engage in a healthy active lifestyle, begin with your own. Yoga can be a fun family experience and a rewarding example of time well spent.

"57% percent of children are not getting the recommended weekly target of three hours of physical activity per week set by the (UK) Government. The study found that a staggering 75% of parents don't know what the Government's recommended level of activity is and an additional 89% of the nation's children aren't getting the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables. Seventy percent eat fast food at least once a week." - VCI, the UK's leading independent video publisher.

Childhood obesity is not just a physical problem!!
"Nearly 15 percent of the nation's kids are overweight. About half of young Americans ages 12-21 are not vigorously, regularly active. Seven percent to 14 percent of all children will experience an episode of major depression before the age of 15."
-Jun 18, 2002 (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

AN EXTREME EMOTIONAL TOLL
Studies have shown obesity takes an extreme emotional toll on children, teens and young adults: more depression and anxiety, higher suicide rates. By addressing the inner mental and spiritual health as well as the outer physical health, yoga is the perfect holistic activity.

"The practice of yoga can be useful for children as well- when applied to a group of ninety mentally retarded children, yoga helped produce a highly significant improvement in IQ and social adaptation."
- Journal of Mental Deficiency Research

Kids have shown improved mental focus and positive stress reduction when it comes to studying and taking tests, which can only help address the increasing demands placed on them in the social and educational arenas.