As we head into a brand new year we can reflect on the past with new hope and brand new ideas.

For this month’s Secondary section, I would like to talk about childhood obesity and the reduction in time allotted toward physical education. With the beginning of 2005, let us look at topics that have been subjects of discussion regarding our youth, and find ways in working toward resolutions.

There are also weight related articles, nutritional recipes, some lesson ideas, and more.

As stated in the previous column, obesity is an epidemic that is plaguing our youth. Due to budget cuts, and pressures on students to have high test scores, many schools have cut down on physical education programs.

In an article put out by the Boston Globe, entitled “Why Johnny Can’t Run (Very Far),” several programs are described that have scaled back on the time allotted to physical education programs. In the state of Massachusetts, students are only required to take some form of physical education every year, whereas before 1996 students were required to take 90 minutes of physical education a week.

The article describes several other programs throughout the state that have limited the amount of time allotted to physical education. Examples are Shrewsbury Elementary, that has physical education for students once a week for 45 minutes, and at Framingham High School students do not have to take any physical education courses during the last two years of high school.

“Dr. Charles Crawford, executive director of Wellesley-based Massachusetts Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, said the lack of state oversight has sent a message that physical activity is relatively unimportant (p. 1).”

Although there are the pressures for academic achievement in schools, there should also be attention focused toward fighting childhood obesity. Knowledge about the importance of physical activity, and eating healthy, should be thought of as a core subject in a student’s curriculum, as this is the kind of information essential to a child’s well-being. Academic studies should not take the place of health and nutrition. In fact, physical activity can lead to better academic performance.

References
Schoworm, P. (2004, May 20). Why Johnny Can’t Run (Very Far) Schools Lowering Education Requirements [Third Edition]. Boston Globe, pp. 1.

for Physical Education, 2nd Edition

The National Standards have developed standards describing a physically educated person as being a person who has the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy healthful physical activity for a lifetime. The purpose of these standards is to help schools build a quality education program, provide guidance for developing state and local standards, and increase professional stature of physical education.

Doctors Underestimate Teenage Obesity
"America's physicians are probably underestimating the problem the of teenage obesity, which means that as many as 2.1 million teens who already have evidence of dangerous complications of obesity are "slipping" through a dangerous gap in diagnostic measurements.

The problem, says Carolyn J. Tabak, MD, a researcher in preventive medicine at Strong Children's Research Center of the University of Rochester in New York, is that pediatricians and other physicians measure obesity in teens using the same formula that they use for toddlers and elementary age children. And that one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for teens." To article.

Weight Loss Advice Teens
"Overweight children are more likely to be obese children when they grow up. Therefore, adolescence is the critical time to stop weight gain and avoid obesity risks. While most children should not be put on a severely restricted diet, weight management by a combined approach of a sensible diet and regular exercise will help to control their weight gain." To article.

Children and Picky Eating
"Although it worries parents, picky eating is usually a stage that children outgrow, a normal part of childhood development seen in toddlers who are learning to be independent and enjoying the power of the word "No!" Needless to say, extended food refusal can drive parents to frustration and feelings of inadequacy, leaving them frantically searching for ways to get their kids to eat."

This is a 'must read' article, since pushing non-nutritious food on a child just to get them to eat, can cause life-long health problems.

Weight Management
This is an excellent site for offering very good, healthy, and helpful advice.

Recipes for Teens
This site has a ton of nutritional recipes for teens with no health problems. This site also has loads of recipes to meet nutritional needs for teens with Cystic Fibrosis, are diabetic, are vegetarian, have lactose intolerance, or have Celiac Disease.

Are We Having Fun Yet? - by Myrna R. Neims, Ph.D.
"Having fun has become a forgotten art in many families. We are too busy, or believe that it costs too much, or we get stalled because we think that not everyone wants to do the same thing or, even worse, we believe that having fun is a waste of time. Our family life has become terminally serious!"

How curious that we forget to take time to enjoy ourselves and have fun with the people who mean the most to us." To article.

Having Fun With Your Teen
"Between busy schedules and fluctuating moods, it can be hard to remember the last time you just hung out and had fun with your teen. But spending some time together doing something you both enjoy is a great way to stay close to your teen without being oppressive." To article.