“Mom, I have gym class today,” my son Ryan said urgently. “We still have four more hours,” I explained. “Yes, I know, but I didn’t want you to forget!” he exclaimed. We have signed my 10-year-old up for a kid gym membership and he loves it. The fitness industry has found a way to combine video games with exercise equipment. He rides a stationary bike and the faster he pedals the faster his video race car will go. By steering the handle bars he steers the car. Walking on the treadmill makes his favorite cartoon play on the screen. Facilitated by a trainer, the kids play games, do team relays, pair up and do floor exercises and more. But Ryan’s favorite part is the camaraderie with the other kids. They all know they are doing something good for their bodies and are motivated to look and feel their best when they return to school.

My kids are hooked on the new show “Shaq’s Big Challenge.” Basketball star Shaquille O’Neal is working with obese kids to lose weight and learn proper nutrition. He also teamed up with a Florida school to try new solutions for innovative nutritious school lunches. The show has sparked their imagination. I enjoy listening to my boys fervently discuss their school lunch program and the creative improvements they recommend. Our feature article “Back to School” on page 28, states that the California Department of Education found that students who engage in vigorous physical activity tend to perform better in school than students who are more sedentary. Shaq tell us that only 6% of schools nationwide have mandatory physical education. Florida’s new governor has recently signed legislation to implement mandatory physical education that will require a half-hour of PE each day in schools. As a parent, I’m excited about this step in the right direction for my children’s health.

To support your efforts to give your kids the physical and nutritional support they need we have packed this issue with tips and ideas for back to school. In our healthy kids column on page 24 discover how yoga can teach kids to relax and connect with their inner wisdom. Find recipes for cool nutritious smoothies in our conscious eating column. And learn what vitamins and supplements the experts recommend for kids. This month as your family settles back in to the school routine I hope you find the nutrition and exercise plan that works for you.

Here’s to Healthy Kids!

Kris Urquhart, Editor