| Announcement
of PEP Grant Awards
Perhaps the biggest news of the fall is the announcement
of federal grant monies awarded to local educational agencies and
nonprofit, community-based organizations. The goal of the Carol
M. White Physical Education Program grants (PEP grants as they are
commonly known) is to initiate, expand, or improve physical education
programs, including after-school programs, for students in one or
more grades from kindergarten through 12th.
This is a very exciting time for all involved in trying to improve
physical education programs throughout the nation. Some research
studies will aim to identify the most appropriate physical education
content that leads to increased physical activity levels. Other
investigations will concentrate on how best to teach physical education
– pedagogical strategies that can motivate, inform, and heighten
student awareness of the importance of lifetime activity.
Congratulations to all award winners!
Darren Dale
Health & Fitness Section Editor
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The Atkins
Diet is Not Appropriate for School Students
School students should not follow the Atkins diet (low-carbohydrate,
high protein). Nutritionists understand the limitations and potential
harm of this dietary regimen for both children and adults. This
was borne out in a recent USA
Today article, outlining why it is plain wrong for schools to
enter into partnerships with Atkins Nutritionals Inc. An additional
factor not mentioned in the article, is the concern about high school
athletes switching to an Atkins-type diet.
Many high school students are involved in sports, and practice
hard for the competitions they are involved in. These students need
a diet high in carbohydrates, the primary energy source for moderate-to-high
intensity training. Schools that promote a high protein diet would
be doing their student athletes a major disservice. The Atkins diet
goes against everything sports nutritionists have been telling coaches
and athletes for the past two decades. |
If you have ideas,
comments, letters to share, or questions about particular topics,
please email one of the following Health & Fitness Section Editors:
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| Making Exercise a Family Affair |
Burning Calories
- Exercise a Family Affair
Recently the Economics Institute in Washington, DC. reported that
8 out of 10 children under the age of 7 years are overweight. This
article
is about family exercise and its benefits for you and your children
or nieces and nephews or grandchildren.
Exercise
Should Be a Family Affair
It strengthens bonds as well as bodies. "If parents are involved
with their children in physical activity - riding bikes, hiking
or Rollerblading - when the kids are young, the children will be
more likely to do it for the rest of their lives," says Dr.
Eric Small of New York City, an expert in pediatric and adolescent
sports medicine.
Exercise
- An Affair For Entire Family
When your family does active things together, you teach your children
healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Research shows your children
will be about six times more likely to enjoy physical activity if
you serve as a role model.
Make
Healthy Living a Family Affair
Even with busy lifestyles, it is possible to integrate fitness into
your lifestyles. Devise a list of different activities your family
can do together, and find out how you can fit fitness into your schedules
regularly. |
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| Efforts to Curb Youth Smoking |
Out Of The
Mouths Of Babes
by Elizabeth Gleick
Elizabeth Gleick, from Time
Magazine, has written a terrific article on how efforts to curb
teenage smoking are gaining momentum. Cigarette smoking remains
a highly serious issue, despite the fact that obesity, poor nutrition,
and lack of exercise have dominated news headlines in recent months.
Physical education teachers must continue to stress overall health
and well-being. Although their expertise is in motor skill development
and physical activity promotion, physical education teachers (and
of course, health education teachers) must continue to explore the
most effective smoking prevention and cessation programs they can
teach in their schools.
No
Smoking Here
by Ron Stodghill
Linked to the Time Magazine website mentioned previously, Ron Stodghill
describes how US colleges are helping to decrease the number of places
in which students are allowed to smoke.
Data
on Obesity...
Looking for the latest data on the importance of physical activity
and good nutrition? The Center for Disease Control provides some
solid statistical information on obesity rates (state by state),
adult eating behaviors, and funding initiatives undertaken by the
CDC.
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| The Great Country Fitness Challenge |
| Author Len Saunders
poses this question: “What would happen if you challenged
your students to take the physical fitness test of another country?”
In his book, The
Project ACES Handbook, Len introduces the concept of “The
Great Country Fitness Challenge.” Promoted by the late George
Allen, former Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) Chairman of the
President’s Council, this program challenges students to see
how well they perform taking a fitness test from another country.
The challenge also teaches students about different cultures.
The Project ACES Handbook provides details about how to set up
“The Great Country Fitness Challenge” in your area.
The author lists suggestions on how to find a fitness test of another
county, such as contacting that country’s government for information.
He also includes samples of a press release, certificate of merit,
and an event checklist.
Use fresh ideas like this one to keep your students motivated about
fitness. |
| Teachers should
be aware of the website
for the National Association of Kinesiology and Physical Education
in Higher Education.
This association lists job positions for those wishing to teach
at the university level. The site also provides information institutions
that provide Master’s and Doctoral programs in physical education.
Teachers may be interested in current issues facing college faculty
whom are responsible for preparing teachers of health and physical
education |
| Healthy
Holiday Eating Tips
By Lori Thibideau
The holidays are coming up, and we all know what that can mean
- weight gain!
"Wellness consultant Lori Thibideau provides some terrific
tips to help the Fabulous Foodies get through the upcoming bacchanalia
of holidays feasts.
Lori has been teaching the secrets of healthy living for more than
20 years. After struggling with her weight from age 10, she finally
decided to get off the diet rollercoaster. She stopped dieting and
learned to eat three balanced meals a day plus snacks when hungry.
With 40 excess pounds permanently gone, her weight is no longer
the focus of her life. With a background in Human Behavior, Counseling,
and Nutrition, Lori now finds joy in helping other people make the
simple lifestyle changes that result in long-term weight loss and
a healthier approach to daily living.
For more information on healthy Eating, Lori's wellness classes,
and her new book, visit her website."
- Cheri Sicard
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| Lessons
in teaching health and balance
By Marla Richmond, M.S.
As a parent, exercise physiologist, and health educator, I have
learned important lessons about teaching. Some of them seem obvious
but in fact, many of us forget them.
The first is that teaching is about students and meeting
their needs, and not necessarily about our lesson plans. Secondly,
some lessons work for a given student or group of students, but fly
right by another. The last, but most important discovery,
is that so much change, both internal and external takes place in
the life of a child from one day to the next. It is therefore important
to closely observe who is entering your classroom or gym any given
class period.
There are several challenges and stressors imposed on students
(and teachers) daily. Whether they be positive or negative, awareness
of what they are facilitates teaching and reaching the whole student.
Occasionally, the best choice might be to defer your
lesson plan and work on theirs; which is to maintain or regain equilibrium.
Optimal performance in sport and in life is not possible when off
balance; and certainly requires more than skills and drills.
Have your students become aware of their health and balance by
providing them with a list of questions to ask themselves daily.
Below is a sample list. I pass out this list the first day of classes
along with the handout entitled, "The Ten components of a Healthy
and Balanced Lifestyle." I explain the ten components and their
importance in maintaining health and homeostasis.
I have the students look at the character in the illustration;
to its smile, depicting happiness or joy. I ask them what they think
it would look like if one of the numbered parts were missing. They
become aware of the importance of each one of the components making
a whole, and that a missing part places the character off balance
and out of synch. I explain the obvious, but often missed concept;
that if they do not feel OK, there is likely something missing or
out of synch. That is the purpose of reviewing this list.
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How do you feel today? |
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Is there anything going on in your life that is really stressing
you out? |
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What is going on in classes this week; are there tests; papers;
midterms or finals? |
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What about extracurricular activities; are you participating
in something important and time-consuming? |
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What physical activity have you already done today? |
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Are you hungry or thirsty? When is the last time you ate or
drank? |
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Over the past several days, have you been eating well; drinking
enough fluids, eating adequate high-quality protein, calcium-rich
foods, whole grains, fruits and vegetables? |
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Did you sleep well last night? Have you been sleeping well
in general? |
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Have you accomplished the goals you set for yourself last
week? If not why? |
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What do you need to focus on today? |
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What are your goals for this week? |
Many times when kids answer “not so great” to the first
question, the questions that follow help them get in touch with some
of the possible reasons. Being stressed out is a frequent cause of
feeling bad. Many kids have difficulty managing time, balancing activities,
and particularly getting enough sleep. Few kids eat in a healthy and
balanced way. Even fewer exercise outside of PE.
Once kids become aware of why they might not feel so great, it’s
good for them to set some specific goals. A stress management goal
might be, “I am going to make sure that I get to sleep half
an hour earlier each night this week. I am going to do that by turning
off my cell phone, computer and lights at 11:00 pm." A nutrition
goal might be to remember to eat breakfast when they typically skip
it in favor of sleep. An exercise goal might be to walk the dog
each day after school.
As an educator, meeting the needs of your students is important;
but helping them meet their own is even better. Learning The
Ten Components of a Healthy and Balanced Lifestyle is a start.
Marla Richmond, M.S., ACE-certified,
is an exercise physiologist, author, and international presenter.
Her books and educational materials are endorsed by the American
Council on Exercise, and may be purchased from Palos Sports at www.palossports.com
. Marla is a professional development provider and available for
workshops that fit your needs. For fun ideas & intriguing lesson
plans, contact her at JOIE0403@aol.com
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