The NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey

We need You! The National Youth Fitness Survey (NYFS) will be collecting data on physical activity and fitness to provide an evaluation of the health and fitness of  children in the U.S. ages 3 to 15. The NYFS will collect data on exercise and the nutrition habits of our youth through interviews and fitness tests. This is a one-of-a kind survey. Be part of our effort to improve the health of our youth. This is not a competition.  This is an opportunity to gain information about your child’s fitness level and to contribute to the understanding of the physical activity level of children and teens in the United States.

In October 2008, the federal government issued its first-ever Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans to provide science-based guidance on the types and amounts of physical activity that provide substantial health benefits for Americans. Guidelines for children and teens ask for 60 minutes or more of aerobic, muscle-strengthening, or physical activity daily.

While the number of children in the U.S. who meet the Physical Activity Guidelines is unknown, the percentage of children who are physically active in the U.S. is declining. The inclusion of fitness tests, in the NYFS for ages 3–15, will provide additional information with which to evaluate the health of this age group.

The NYFS was created in response to the need for data on physical activity and fitness in children and teens. The survey is conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You have the chance to play an essential role in finding out more about the health and fitness issues children and teens face today. If we are in your community and you are invited to participate…Say Yes!