With obesity threatening the long-term health of 6 million American children and another 5 million children tottering on the edge, the U.S. Surgeon General has declared that childhood obesity is at epidemic levels.

One child in three is now either overweight or at risk of becoming so. Combine this rise in obesity with the many cutbacks in physical education and recess at American schools, and it is clear that children are not getting the nutritional guidance and physical exercise that they desperately need.

Of particular concern is the stress this trend will place on U.S. health care in the years to come. Overweight adolescents are extremely likely to be obese adults, and the resulting illnesses -- diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and several cancers -- will cost hundreds of billions in medical expenses and lost productivity.

What can adults do to stem this growing national health hazard? There are several ways to have a positive influence on the health and weight of today's youth.

Limit time in front of the television and computer! A study of 192 third and fourth graders found that those who limited screen time to one hour a day were measurably leaner after nine months than those who watched as much TV as they wanted.

Lobby local schools to maintain recess and physical education programs. The number of programs being cut is alarming; fewer than half of the nation's schools offer physical education!

Encourage nutrition education, both at home and in school. And remember that learning about appropriate quantities is as important as learning about the nutritional quality of foods. Focus on making healthy choices rather than restricting foods.

Be an active role model and look for ways to promote physical activity in children. It doesn't have to be organized or competitive. Go for walks, play tag, ride bikes, turn on some music and dance. Make exercise a regular part of every day.

Try this stair stepping exercise. All that is needed is an exercise bench or a stair step. Begin by standing close to the platform, stepping up on top with a flat foot. Bring the second foot on top next to the first foot. Step down, one foot at a time.

Avoid allowing the heels to hang off the edge of the step. Start with an initial goal of five minutes and gradually increase.