To get the most from life, one must be both mentally and physically fit. Our children are being raised in an increasingly sedentary society where physical activity is not the norm. There is little time built into hectic family schedules for exercise or even walking in the neighborhood as families.

Youth who once roamed free in the outdoors playing ball, running through fields, fishing in creeks, and using their imaginations to create adventures now spend time watching television, playing video games, and surfing the Internet. In addition, their eating habits include unhealthy levels of fast food, and drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol are easily accessible.

Here are some statistics to consider:

• By 2002, there will be about 20 million youth using the Internet on a consistent basis.
• Almost 10 percent (9.9) of youth have reported using illicit drugs.
• Youth cigarette smokers are 11.4 times more likely to use illicit drugs.
• A key transition age for drug use is from 12 to 13 years old.

Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has prided itself on teaching a healthy respect for both the mind and body. Scouting has taught more than 110 million alumni and members the core tenets of a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and physical outdoor activity.

Scouts start planning meals as early as their Cub Scout years and participate in outdoor physical conditioning during their teen years. Scouting youth engage in fun, physical, outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, and cycling, and learn important skills like CPR and first aid so they can be prepared for any emergency.

Research shows that physical fitness can increase self-esteem in youth and adults and decrease health-related problems later in life. Scouting understands the importance of educating youth about what health choices NOT to make by taking issues like youth drug use seriously.

In 1987, the Boy Scouts of America developed Drugs: A Deadly Game to deal with this pressing issue. This is an award-winning drug education program that facilitates youth discussions about the dangers of drug use and helps Scouting youth understand the harm drugs can do to the body and mind.

We are products of our society, and our youth represent the very best our country has to offer. Let’s help them understand the critical role their minds and bodies will play during their entire lives. If their minds and bodies are maintained well today, they will reward them throughout their lives.