IT'S "FUNNER" TO BE A RUNNER Physical Activity Bookmark by Elizabeth inspired by KR's bookmarks. There's not a day that goes by when something isn't said or written about children (ADULTS TOO) and lack of exercise, and all the negative consequences that go with the lack of exercise.  Children are more involved with video games, television, and junk food, than they are with physical activity and healthy eating habits. Youngsters are becoming more and more obese and sick with their lack of physical activity and their terrible eating habits. Their future doesn't look too bright! We, as adults, can do something to change this horrible and dangerous situation. You need to contact your school administrators and encourage them to incorporate aerobic activity into the school day. Needless to say, the easiest way to accomplish this is to have youngsters and their teachers, at least walk briskly, and perhaps run daily. There would be no cost involved. The youngsters and the teachers would benefit greatly. The youngsters would benefit physically, academically, socially, and emotionally-----what a turnabout!!! I've been implementing my It's "Funner" to be a Runner program for the past 23 years. It works and it works well. After a week or two of mostly walking and a little running, the youngsters begin to feel good about what is occurring. They truly see the benefits of daily aerobic activity, and they begin to feel special.They become relaxed, less anxious, and much more alert. They become better behaved, they treat each other nicely, and they do a better job with the academics s they become really physically fit. The kids learn to want to come to school. They don't want to miss the running and all that goes with it. The running is integrated into all the curriculum areas, including nutrition. The youngsters in the It's "Funner" to be a Runner program have always performed better than their peers from other classes in their school and their school district in the academic areas. Isn't this what all teachers are constantly being asked to do-----RAISE TEST SCORES? As teachers are being asked to raise test scores, they are not being asked to keep their students physically active; if anything, fitness activity is the very last priority of the school day. Believe me, they've got it backwards. I assure you that youngsters will perform better with the academics if they are physically, socially, and emotionally fit. I've seen it happen year after year. You need to get to the responsible people at your schools and ask them to allow their teachers to participate with the children in daily running and/or brisk walking. Once this happens, everyone will know that it truly is "Funner" to be a Runner! LINKS: Email address saccone@gwise.cajon.k12.ca.us More from Pete Saccone - PETE'S COLUMN ON KR Happy Running, Pete Saccone The most important thing to remember is that It's "Funner" to be a Runner!!!! Please email carol.kids@rodale.com with comments on this column.