Active Kids, Healthy Minds

Young people are becoming increasingly inactive. They're staying indoors, staring at screens, and not exercising their bodies. And studies are showing that that affects how well they exercise their minds.

Kandra Strauss of the NEA Health Information Network spoke to Judy Young, executive director of the National Association of Sports and Physical Education, about the critical issues of sedentary children and the benefits of physical activity.

How bad is the situation?
Children are leading more sedentary lives than ever before--almost half of all young people ages 12-21 are not vigorously active on a regular basis. A variety of factors have contributed to this overall reduced physical activity among children and youth today.

First, physical education classes have been reduced or eliminated for many students. According to the "Youth Risk Behavior Survey" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 29 percent of high school students take physical education, compared with 42 percent in 1991, and only 20-25 percent participate in community or school sport programs.
Television, video games, and computers are very popular among kids of all ages.

Real and perceived dangers threatening children's safety when outdoors reduces free play opportunities.

Finally, many children do not feel competent and successful in their motor skills. The media have exposed kids to extraordinary performances in many sports, leaving some young people feeling incompetent and impatient in learning physical skills.

What are the risks associated with sedentary lifestyles in children?

There's substantial evidence of increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. Reports show that 60 percent of overweight children ages five to ten years old already have at least one risk factor for heart disease. Obesity also increases the risk of Type II diabetes, which is associated with a variety of progressive physical problems. Many of these may not show up until later in life, but many of these symptoms are occurring at younger ages.
Physical inactivity contributes to almost 350,000 deaths per year, more than any other specific factor-except tobacco use. Inactive youngsters are more likely than physically active ones to be involved in other unhealthy practices such as smoking, poor nutritional habits, use of drugs and alcohol, and unprotected sexual activity. Inactive youth may also be more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and disruptive behavior in the classroom.

Is there a link between physical activity and student achievement?

Growing data support a connection between academic achievement and physical activity--whether through physical education classes or other outlets such as recess, clubs, classroom activities, and intramural and organized sports. Physical activity leads to good health and helps children concentrate and focus.
Physical activity reduces the risk of many physical problems, including some allergies, asthma, osteoporosis, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, depression/anxiety, and obesity. And fewer sick days in and of itself boosts student learning.
Physical fitness provides the basis for participation in a wide range of activities and gives kids opportunities to learn about their own abilities, engage with their peers, and develop skills to be used regularly in adult life.

Engaging in physical activity and sports could greatly improve overall health and fitness, as well as self-esteem. Studies show links between increased physical activity and improved character development that could impact school performance and reduce absenteeism.

And the positive effects carry over into later life. Research has established that adults involved in physical activity programs miss less work, have fewer health insurance claims, express feeling better, and may be more productive.

Beyond P.E. class, how can school staff help students become more physically active?

Most definitely, there are a number of ways that teachers and education support staff can help:

• Ensure that students have opportunities to engage in
  physical activity throughout the school day.
  
  
• Don't restrict students from physical activity for disciplinary reasons. In fact, regular opportunities for short bouts of physical activity may ameliorate behavior problems and restlessness among students.
  
  
• Model physically active lifestyles. Encourage physical acti-
  vity for staff before, during, or after school. Invite staff to participate in student physical activity opportunities.
  
  
• Solicit the help of physical educators on staff in providing alternative activities within confined spaces so that inclement weather or lack of a gym doesn't keep students from physical activities.
  
  
• Don't regularly preempt physical education periods for special school events, discipline, weather, or other reasons.
  
  
• Plan for school-wide observances of Heart Health Month, National Physical Fitness and Sport Month, and other related special events such as health fairs, family activity nights, parent participation in physical activities or "field day" events.
  
  
• Conduct a poster contest with a theme of healthy eating and physical activity. Display posters in the lunchroom.
  
  
• Establish a coordinated school health team to coordinate and plan for a healthy school.
  
  
• Limit use of food as rewards and the focus of holiday celebrations and consider special programs that involve physical activity instead. 4

Resources

• Visit the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Web site at www.aahperd.org for links to organizations working to enhance children's fitness.



• For seven helpful tips to motivate young people to exercise, visit www.nsc.org/pubs/fsh/archive/spr99/exer.htm.



• To view a copy of the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/sgr.htm.



• For the American Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics' Physical Fitness Guide for Kids and Teens, visit www.childdevelopmentinfo. com/health_safety/physical_fitness_guide_for_kids_.htm.

Running by the Numbers

Connecticut elementary teacher Carol Goodrow knew very little about physical fitness and running until she joined a health club seven years ago. Now she's the leader of her school's running program and regularly competes in local distance running events.

When Carol Goodrow was named the 1994 Teacher of the Year in Tolland, Connecticut, she tucked her award money away to do something special for herself. That "something" was the start of what now has become one of her life's passions-running.

"I joined a health club, jumped on a treadmill, and that was it," says Goodrow, who teaches second grade special education at Parker Memorial School. "After about six months, I got up the nerve to enter my first running event and was just hooked after that."

"I sent an E-mail to the staff of Birch Grove Primary School elementary, where I taught at the time, saying that if anyone was interested in starting a running program, I'd be glad to help." The first response came from a colleague who wanted to keep weight down and reduce stress.

"We started running a mile, and then we gradually increased our mileage," says Goodrow. "Now, we do a four-mile, hilly loop a couple of times a week.''

Krista, another first grade teacher, wanted to stay healthy and control her weight. So the two began a walk/run program together.

"We started running two minutes, then walking one minute,"says Goodrow. "It seems so basic, but it's what we needed to do to work up to a mile."

She also heard from Mia, a paraprofessional who was a seasoned sprinter but didn't have much endurance. "Mia was wicked fast at the beginning, but couldn't finish," explains Goodrow. "She only knew to go as fast as she could."

Mia worked with Goodrow on changing her mindset to build endurance. Running together, the two set a comfortable goal of five miles. "Recently, we both entered a 5K run, and she really blew me away," says Goodrow.

She stresses how an educator's healthy lifestyle affects students.
"Heathful eating and exercising can help combat or prevent obesity, heart disease, many kinds of cancer, diabetes, and more," says Good-row. "And we know that teachers are role models for kids. They see what we snack on in the classroom, and they become aware of the good habits and interests we have. My kids knew about my running and became runners themselves."
Goodrow, who's developing a "Run to Read and Write" program for students with special needs, found a simple way to reinforce those good messages to her students daily.

"At running events, you get these big running numbers," she explains. "I've collected almost a complete set from 1 to 100 to use in the classroom." Her donated numbers include one from astronaut Daniel Burbank and one from Olympian Rod DeHaven.
"Rod was the highest-finishing American in the Boston Marathon this year. He placed sixth and wore number 10. When I opened the envelope he sent me, I started to cry, because I knew this number 10 came from his Boston race, which had to be the race of his lifetime."

--Michelle Y. Green

For more: Contact Goodrow at goodrow@infi.net or visit
www.kidsrunning.com.

Run the Seasons

Here's a number of Carol's good tips for starting a personal running program:

1. Combine running and walking in your program at the outset.
   
   
2. Invest in a good pair of running shoes and clothing that wicks off body moisture.
   
   
3. Drink plenty of fluids before you begin each run.
   
   
4. Take time to stretch before and after.
   
   
5. Learn to pace yourself, slow down, and increase your distance very gradually. Work on speed when you have built a running base.
   
   
6. Develop healthy eating habits: lots of fruits and veggies, some carbs and protein, "good" fat, and start eliminating junk food.
   
   
7. Consider the benefits of cross training: ride a bike, do weights, go swimming.
   
   
8. Adopt a running buddy or two.

Quick Tip

Sameta Rush

Check out these tips to fall into a fitness regimen before the holidays:

• Daylight Savings Time will be here soon. Plan to be outside two times a week before October 28!
  
  
• Set a goal to exercise twice a week, every week before the December holiday break. This requires one exercise session during the week and one on the weekend, or wherever you can fit it in.
  
  
• Sometimes it's hard just to start. Instead, focus on how you felt the last time you exercised-particularly how relaxed you felt afterward, not on the discouragement you feel at the onset. Whatever it takes, start.
  
  
• Keep a log of your goals and progress. Assess yourself weekly, and keep the big picture (one semester's work) in mind.
  
  
• If you're healthy, stress-free, and relaxed, you'll teach more efficiently.
  

Sameta Rush teaches physical education, video production, and writing at Steamboat Springs High School and Strawberry Park Elementary in Colorado, srush@sailors.steamboat.k12.co.us

From the NEA Health Information Network

• HABLE CON SUS HIJOS SOBRE LAS DROGAS
  The National Institute on Drug Abuse has published Latina Juventud-Hable con Sus Hijos Sobre las Drogas y Sus Peligros (Latino Youth-Speak to Your Children about Drugs and Their Dangers), a new brochure on drug abuse and addiction. Based on scientific research and feedback
  from Latino parents, young people, and community health professionals, the brochure includes the latest information on the health effects of inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin, as well as information on prevention and treatment. To order a free copy, call the National Clearinghouse for Drug Information at 800/729-6686 and request publication number PHD854S.
  
  
• Online Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program EGetgoing, an online treatment facility, has launched an Internet-based group treatment program that uses advanced audio- and video-conferencing technology to combat drug and alcohol abuse. Using traditional, proven treatment methods adapted for online use, this new format offers an affordable, convenient, and private way for people to combat their drug and alcohol abuse. For more information, go to www.eGetgoing.com or call 800/866-HELP-999.
  
  
• Anti-Drug Media Kit
  The "Media Tool Kit for Anti-Drug Action" provides a wealth of information for getting involved in sub-stance abuse prevention, including strategies for reaching out to parents and youth; how to promote and publicize drug-free activities; and ways to deliver the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign's messages to others to build healthy, drug-free schools and communities. The Media Tool Kit is available free online at www. mediacampaign.org.