Fewer P.E. classes in schools, more time glued to televisions and computer screens — it's no wonder the rate of childhood obesity continues to rise.

But it doesn't have to be that way, as long as parents make a healthy lifestyle a daily lesson at home. And today's a good day to begin instruction.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii's Mililani Clinic will hold its 25th Annual Fun Run for kids ages 12 and younger. It's a two-mile course around the Mililani Town Center, but the message is what's important.

Making physical activity an enjoyable family activity can give children the early start they need to form healthy habits. With the state's alarming statistics, that's invaluable.

An estimated 70 percent of high school students in Hawai'i do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Fourteen percent of high school students are considered overweight; among younger kids, that number is even higher.

"Communities and families need to create more opportunities for children to be active," said Dennis Kaaihue, coordinator for Kaiser Permanente's Lifestyles Program.

The Fun Run is just one opportunity that can help children see the value in taking care of themselves. That's a lesson we all should learn.