Athletes including Mia Hamm (soccer), Jennie Finch (softball) and Vince Carter (basketball) are offering their time and assistance to encourage children to spend at least 60 minutes a day in physical activity.

The Web site, www.GetKidsInAction.org, gives children encouragement and activity ideas to help them reach that goal. The program also will sponsor classroom visits from college athletes to help motivate children.

GERM FACTS

NSF International, the Public Health and Safety Company, provides these disgusting statistics on germs:

• The average preschooler gets infected six to eight times each year with colds, the flu and stomach bugs.

• Bacteria can live up to two hours or more on surfaces.

• More than 52 million cases of the common cold strike those under the age of 17 each year in this country.

• The single most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick and spreading disease is to wash your hands.

-- Compiled by Joan Morris

SCOOP ON PERSONAL TRAINERS

With more than 4.8 million people using personal trainers, Women's Health Magazine (www.womenshealthmag.com) offers tips in its April issue on how to choose the right one and get the most from your workout. Here's one of the suggestions.

The issue: Your trainer gives you complicated nutritional advice.

Why it's a problem: Going to some trainers for nutritional advice is like asking your dentist about birth control options. Even a highly qualified personal trainer is not likely to be a certified nutritionist as well. The two fields require different knowledge bases and separate degrees.

Tune-up: A red flag should fly if a trainer suggests -- or offers for sale -- dietary supplements. Most supplements are not FDA-regulated and can be either ineffective or dangerous. Many trainers actually get a commission from supplement sales at the gym. A trainer can give you basic diet advice, but if you're interested in taking supplements, or have specific dietary issues, it's best to seek advice from a registered dietitian.

-- Women's Health Magazine

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