SUNDAY FORUM

• Best advice for kids: Move, move, move • Winning the battle for fit kids • Time to 'run outside and play' • No room in schedule for exercise • Health concern led to quest for fitness • Fitness bits • What you can do now • Part #1 of series (Sep. 26) • Part #2 of series (Oct. 3) YOUR VOICE

Two years ago during a checkup, Mary learned she had slightly elevated blood pressure. It was a worrisome finding, especially because Mary's brother and father also have high blood pressure. "When my doctor started talking about teen-age diabetes, I said, 'What? No!'" the sixth-grader remembers.

Out of that visit began a campaign by Mary, her family and her Annunciation School physical education teacher, Cindy Hardisty, to help Mary adopt healthier habits.

While adults might join a gym, Mary followed her instincts for movement and fun. A new friend moved in across the street, and soon the two girls were kicking soccer balls and playing on swings. Then Mary discovered Dance Dance Revolution, a video game in which players rack up points by following arrows on the screen to execute rapid footwork on floor pads. "You don't really notice you're working out," she says.

Mary McManus, 11, of Clifton, uses roller blades to stay in shape. (Enquirer photo/TONY JONES)

Mary now plays a team sport throughout most of the year, and family vacations have become more active. And Mary's stepmother, Barb McManus, encourages her family to walk everywhere - activity that she always promoted, but with new intensity after Mary's diagnosis.The effort has paid off beautifully. Mary's blood pressure dropped to normal, her overall fitness level improved and she had to get used to people telling her how terrific she looked. Only one thing has eluded her.

"Last year I got the highest level on all parts of the Presidential Fitness Award except the mile run. I missed that by 20 seconds," she says. "This year I'm gonna get that mile."