Studies continue to demonstrate that daily physical activity in children has incredible long term affects, not just on the body but on the mind as well.
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Monday, 22 September 2014
Has the focus on physical activity ruined playtime for kids?
But creating scheduled playtime built only around physical activity might be draining the broader benefits out of play, a new study in Canada found.
Thursday, 11 September 2014
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
A Fat-Melting Workout From Maria Menounos
Crunched for time but still want to squeeze in a sweat session? In this video, Maria Menounos, author of Every Girl's Guide to Diet and Fitness , shows you how to do a speedy, 7-move exercise routine. Do this circuit two to three times to get a great workout in less than 20 minutes.
Fall Back Into Fitness...(Benefits of Exercise)
Fall is almost here and often during the summer months our workouts
take a summer vacation. Time to turn that around and make fitness a
priority! Many people can easily list several negatives to working out (such as no time, sweating, need to shower after, etc.), yet many cannot list more than 2 benefits. There's SO much you gain--but it needs to be a lifestyle that will last forever and NOT a 'quick' fix.
It doesn't have to be extreme and time consuming--just get moving and do something physical.
According to the 1996 U.S... Surgeon General on Physical Activity & Health: "Regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the U.S..." (Source: U.S... Dept. of Healthy & Human Services, '96)
Here are a few key reasons to incorporate some form of physical activity into your DAILY life as it will REDUCE the risks/problems of some of the following:
If you need more motivation, I suggest you look into one of the many fine gyms in our area that offer a great variety of group fitness classes--these can be fun and often a group setting helps motivate individuals! Or possibly hire a personal trainer (even for just a few sessions) to help get you started and motivated. Or grab a friend or 2 and inspire each other to move---power in numbers. Whatever it takes, make the time NOW for a healthier you...I promise you won't regret making the time!
It doesn't have to be extreme and time consuming--just get moving and do something physical.
According to the 1996 U.S... Surgeon General on Physical Activity & Health: "Regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the U.S..." (Source: U.S... Dept. of Healthy & Human Services, '96)
Here are a few key reasons to incorporate some form of physical activity into your DAILY life as it will REDUCE the risks/problems of some of the following:
- Premature death
- Dying from heart disease
- Developing diabetes
- Developing high blood pressure
- Developing colon cancer
- Feelings of depression & anxiety
- Becoming overweight
- Issues with bone, joint, muscle
- For aging adults: they will be able to move around better, therefore less risk of falling or injury
- People who are usually inactive CAN improve their health & well being by becoming even MODERATELY active on a REGULAR basis.
- Physical activity need NOT be 'strenuous' to achieve health benefits.
- GREATER health benefits CAN be achieved by INCREASING the amount (duration, frequency, or intensity) of physical activity.
If you need more motivation, I suggest you look into one of the many fine gyms in our area that offer a great variety of group fitness classes--these can be fun and often a group setting helps motivate individuals! Or possibly hire a personal trainer (even for just a few sessions) to help get you started and motivated. Or grab a friend or 2 and inspire each other to move---power in numbers. Whatever it takes, make the time NOW for a healthier you...I promise you won't regret making the time!
Monday, 8 September 2014
5 Fat-Burning Body Weight Exercises
By DailyBurn
You don't need lots of fancy equipment to get fit. By performing intervals of simple body weight movements at high intensity, you'll increase your heart rate and sculpt your body at the same time. Check out DailyBurn trainer Anja Garcia's easy fat-burning moves.
You don't need lots of fancy equipment to get fit. By performing intervals of simple body weight movements at high intensity, you'll increase your heart rate and sculpt your body at the same time. Check out DailyBurn trainer Anja Garcia's easy fat-burning moves.
High leisure-time physical activity levels linked to reduced risk for HF
Researchers also found a similar but less pronounced association between greater total physical activity and lower risk for HF.
Kasper Andersen, MD, PhD, and colleagues analyzed 39,805 people who completed a medical-history and lifestyle questionnaire in Sweden in 1997. All participants were aged 20 to 90 years and free of HF at baseline. They were followed through 2010 for diagnosis of HF of any cause and HF of non-ischemic origin.
Participants were stratified into quintiles by leisure-time physical activity level and by total physical activity level, as reported by participants in the questionnaire.
During a median follow-up of 13.3 years, 3.9% of all participants had a first hospitalization for HF of any cause, and 2.63% of participants without a history of MI at baseline experienced non-ischemic HF, Anderson and colleagues found.
After adjustment for age, sex and education, compared with the quintile of lowest leisure-time physical activity levels, those in the quintile of highest lowest leisure-time physical activity levels were at reduced risk for HF of any cause (HR=0.54; 95% CI, 0.44-0.66) and non-ischemic HF (HR=0.51; 95% CI, 0.4-0.64), the researchers wrote. After adjustment for age, sex, alcohol use, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, snuff use and waist-hip ratio, the difference between the groups remained but was slightly smaller (HR for all HF=0.65; 95% CI, 0.53-0.81; HR for non-ischemic HF=0.61; 95% CI, 0.48-0.78), they found.
After adjustment for age, sex, education and previous MI, those with the highest levels of total physical activity were at reduced risk for HF of any cause compared with those with the lowest levels (HR=0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.95), but the effect was less pronounced than for leisure-time physical activity, according to Andersen, of the department of medical sciences at Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden, and colleagues.
“You do not need to run a marathon to gain the benefits of physical activity — even quite low levels of activity can give you positive effects,” Andersen said in a press release. “Physical activity lowers many heart disease risk factors, which in turn lowers the risk of developing [HF] as well as other heart diseases. Our research suggests that everyone could benefit from getting out there and moving every day.”
Disclosure: The study was supported by Ericsson, Ica Sweden and the Swedish Cancer Society. One researcher reports serving on an advisory board for Itrim. Another reports receiving consulting fees from Novo Nordisk.
Kasper Andersen, MD, PhD, and colleagues analyzed 39,805 people who completed a medical-history and lifestyle questionnaire in Sweden in 1997. All participants were aged 20 to 90 years and free of HF at baseline. They were followed through 2010 for diagnosis of HF of any cause and HF of non-ischemic origin.
Participants were stratified into quintiles by leisure-time physical activity level and by total physical activity level, as reported by participants in the questionnaire.
During a median follow-up of 13.3 years, 3.9% of all participants had a first hospitalization for HF of any cause, and 2.63% of participants without a history of MI at baseline experienced non-ischemic HF, Anderson and colleagues found.
After adjustment for age, sex and education, compared with the quintile of lowest leisure-time physical activity levels, those in the quintile of highest lowest leisure-time physical activity levels were at reduced risk for HF of any cause (HR=0.54; 95% CI, 0.44-0.66) and non-ischemic HF (HR=0.51; 95% CI, 0.4-0.64), the researchers wrote. After adjustment for age, sex, alcohol use, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, snuff use and waist-hip ratio, the difference between the groups remained but was slightly smaller (HR for all HF=0.65; 95% CI, 0.53-0.81; HR for non-ischemic HF=0.61; 95% CI, 0.48-0.78), they found.
After adjustment for age, sex, education and previous MI, those with the highest levels of total physical activity were at reduced risk for HF of any cause compared with those with the lowest levels (HR=0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.95), but the effect was less pronounced than for leisure-time physical activity, according to Andersen, of the department of medical sciences at Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden, and colleagues.
“You do not need to run a marathon to gain the benefits of physical activity — even quite low levels of activity can give you positive effects,” Andersen said in a press release. “Physical activity lowers many heart disease risk factors, which in turn lowers the risk of developing [HF] as well as other heart diseases. Our research suggests that everyone could benefit from getting out there and moving every day.”
Disclosure: The study was supported by Ericsson, Ica Sweden and the Swedish Cancer Society. One researcher reports serving on an advisory board for Itrim. Another reports receiving consulting fees from Novo Nordisk.
Sunday, 7 September 2014
Back to School Fitness
Tuesday is the first day back to school for most of the country. After a busy summer of outdoor fun, sports camps and constant activity, the school season brings with it more time indoors. For children, that often means sitting at a desk, behind a book or screen. For many parents and their kids, it also means more time making lunches in the morning, driving to and from school, and homework in the evenings.
But good grades and test scores aren’t the only thing that count when it comes to both your and your children’s well-being. Physical health and fitness are an important and essential part of how we feel and function each day. For many of us, that’s why we choose to run. Physical activity is shown to directly impact how well we learn, remember and process new information. It helps us to concentrate, focus and stay on task. It also allows us to socialize, have fun and release everyday stress and anxiety. Just as we can succeed at math or science, physical activity should be an important part of our daily routine and something we aim to accomplish each day.
According to the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines published by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, children ages 5-11 and youth aged 12-17 years should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous physical activity every day. Activity should include, at least, vigorous activity, such as playing tag at lunchtime or soccer after school, three days per week as well as regular bouts that strengthen muscles and bones. One hour each day is considered the minimum amount to time needed to achieve health and fitness benefits and, when possible, more activity is usually beneficial.
For adults, the suggested guideline is 150 minutes per week, in bouts of 10 or more minutes, and which includes at least two days of muscle and bone strengthening activities. A few weekly runs and a long one on weekends is usually enough to meet that number.
Unfortunately for our kids, a 2014 report by Active Healthy Kids Canada found that Canadian children are not making the grade when it comes to physical health and fitness. Overall, we scored a ‘D-’ when it comes to overall physical activity. Studies found that only seven per cent of children (5-11) and four per cent of youth (12-17) are meeting the recommended guidelines. Canada also received a ‘D’ in active transportation where 62 per cent of those aged 5-17 are driven to and from school every day. Children and youth also spend 7.6 hours and 9.3 hours each day doing sedentary activities, earning us an ‘F’ in sedentary behaviours.
How our kids get to school and what they do both before and after has become increasingly passive, a far cry from the days when it wasn’t uncommon for children to walk to school nearly every day, regardless of weather.
But the report also offers hope. Canada is among the leading countries in fitness and health-promoting policies, places and programs. More than 94 per cent of parents report local availability of parks and outdoor spaces as well as public facilities and programs for physical activity. There is also physical education curriculum in place in every province and territory, where nearly all kids have regular access to a gym, sports fields and playground equipment during school hours. Moreover, 75 per cent of kids ages 5-19 are involved in some form of organized physical activity or sports. As such, access does not seem to be a good excuse for inactivity. Yet it is also not getting our kids the activity they need, and we expect, from such opportunities.
Parents need to be more aware of how our kids are spending their time, both at school and at home. Expecting the schools and the community to get them the activity they need are not enough. We must act on and for the behalf of our kids. Engage in physical activity with them. Inspire and encourage them. Model the behaviours we know are good for everyone.
There are seemingly hundreds of ways to get your kids more active throughout the day. If you are a runner, why not have your kids join you on foot or by bike, even for a short portion of your run? Or, go for a walk or bike ride together. If possible, organize a walking bus to encourage active school transportation in your community. It’s also cross-country season in most schools, so encourage your kids to join the team and enjoy both the physical activity and social fun.
A good education will always be important to children, but being active and promoting physical education is also a building block in long, healthy lives for kids which shouldn’t be ignored.
Saturday, 6 September 2014
Walking a great way to get exercise
What type of physical activity is free, can be done in all
kinds of weather, does not require special equipment, and is great for
your health? You guessed it: walking.
The Surgeon General recommends that adults get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day and that children and teens get twice as much: 60 minutes. Years ago, before we had laborsaving devices to do our work for us, most people had more than this amount.
Walking is an easy way to bring activity into our lives and has wonderful health benefits. Research by the National Institutes of Health shows that walking can help lower your blood sugar level, control your blood pressure, maintain your bone health and manage your body weight.
People of all ages and in almost any physical condition can do it. For adults, only 30 minutes a day is all it takes! Break up your activity into 10 or 15 minute sessions if that works better for your schedule.
WALK GEORGIA BEGINS MONDAY
Walk, dance, swim, yoga: Move more, live more, Georgia! Walk Georgia is an online community promoting physical activity for all Georgians. Track your physical activity and earn points by logging it through the Walk Georgia website. Walking the dog, biking to work, going for a run and gardening all count as physical activity in the Walk Georgia program.
We have a “new” Walk Georgia this fall! If you have participated previously in Walk Georgia, you’ll have a new experience this time. New things to look forward to include entering data from your mobile device, setting personal goals, recording more activities and joining groups.
Rather than participating on teams of four, you can create or join groups. You can create your own group at work, among family and friends, with organizations or at church. There is no limit to how many people can join your group.
The new Walk Georgia accumulates time and points rather than miles. Time, type of physical activity and the intensity of your workout will determine how many points you earn.
The goal that the Bibb County Task Force has set is for participants to meet USDA physical activity guidelines. We encourage adults to be physically active at least five days a week for 30 minutes, or a total of 150 minutes per week. Youth are encouraged to be physically active 60 minutes every day. Keep in mind, active play counts toward a child’s physical activity time.
Participants who meet the goal after six weeks will be eligible for a Walk Georgia mid-point incentive.
Top individuals, groups and schools will be recognized in December at the Walk Georgia Recognition Event held at the Wellness Center.
Register Monday at pilot.walkgeorgia.org to participate in the 12-week, free, online program. Walk Georgia runs Sept. 8-Nov. 30
The Surgeon General recommends that adults get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day and that children and teens get twice as much: 60 minutes. Years ago, before we had laborsaving devices to do our work for us, most people had more than this amount.
Walking is an easy way to bring activity into our lives and has wonderful health benefits. Research by the National Institutes of Health shows that walking can help lower your blood sugar level, control your blood pressure, maintain your bone health and manage your body weight.
People of all ages and in almost any physical condition can do it. For adults, only 30 minutes a day is all it takes! Break up your activity into 10 or 15 minute sessions if that works better for your schedule.
WALK GEORGIA BEGINS MONDAY
Walk, dance, swim, yoga: Move more, live more, Georgia! Walk Georgia is an online community promoting physical activity for all Georgians. Track your physical activity and earn points by logging it through the Walk Georgia website. Walking the dog, biking to work, going for a run and gardening all count as physical activity in the Walk Georgia program.
We have a “new” Walk Georgia this fall! If you have participated previously in Walk Georgia, you’ll have a new experience this time. New things to look forward to include entering data from your mobile device, setting personal goals, recording more activities and joining groups.
Rather than participating on teams of four, you can create or join groups. You can create your own group at work, among family and friends, with organizations or at church. There is no limit to how many people can join your group.
The new Walk Georgia accumulates time and points rather than miles. Time, type of physical activity and the intensity of your workout will determine how many points you earn.
The goal that the Bibb County Task Force has set is for participants to meet USDA physical activity guidelines. We encourage adults to be physically active at least five days a week for 30 minutes, or a total of 150 minutes per week. Youth are encouraged to be physically active 60 minutes every day. Keep in mind, active play counts toward a child’s physical activity time.
Participants who meet the goal after six weeks will be eligible for a Walk Georgia mid-point incentive.
Top individuals, groups and schools will be recognized in December at the Walk Georgia Recognition Event held at the Wellness Center.
Register Monday at pilot.walkgeorgia.org to participate in the 12-week, free, online program. Walk Georgia runs Sept. 8-Nov. 30
Friday, 5 September 2014
11 Ways to Stop Overeating After Your Workout
Binging post workout can easily pack on the pounds. Here's how you can stop.
18 Moves to Tone Your Butt, Thighs, and Legs
Exercises that tighten and tone your legs from butt to ankles and everything in between
A 5-Minute Yoga Routine for Strong, Slim Arms
Want toned shoulders, biceps and triceps? Flow through this 5-minute routine.
Stop Arm Jiggle With This Workout
Tone your arms in 10 minutes a day with these easy at-home exercises.
Get a Killer Beach Body in Just Four Weeks
Get your body in swimsuit shape with our fat-blasting, body-shaping circuit workout.
11 Best Exercises to Get Strong, Toned Arms
Get your upper body in shape with no-gym moves that work your biceps, triceps, shoulders, back, and core.
Jillian Michaels' Calorie-Burning Workout
Tone up, burn calories, and build muscle with these seven easy moves.
Your Perfect No-Gym Workout
No gym time? No problem! Get in top shape at your place with these five basic tools (and one easy workout).
Your Slim and Strong Walking Workout
Celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak shares three 40-minute walking plans that burn calories.
Burn Fat With Ballet
Want to lose the jiggle for good? Tone up and burn fat with this no-gym-needed workout.
Intense Cardio and Strength Circuit Workout
Burn 700 calories fast with this workout, which combines strength and cardio exercises you can do anywhere.
8 Workout Moves With Tracy Anderson
Watch this video to get a serious head-to-toe and front-to-back workout with celebrity trainer, Tracy Anderson. You can lose up to 10 inches over your entire body in 10 days by doing these exercises six days a week along with 30 to 60 minutes of cardio. This workout series leaves no muscle unworked! To start, cycle through all of the exercises on your right side, then repeat them on your left.
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
Irregular heartbeat can be cut in half in post-menopausal women simply by incorporating exercise
By now most of us know the abundance benefits of regular physical activity in our daily lives. It can help us control our weight, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, strengthen your bones and muscles, and enhance mental health, and help you live longer, to name a few.
According to the American Heart Association, when the heart is beating improperly, it is unable to pump blood effectively. This means that the lungs, brain, and other organs cannot work properly, which can potentially shut down completely. (1) Exercise is one way to avoid that.
The study led by Dr. Marco V. Perez at the Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic at Stanford University School of Medicine, and his team analyzed data from large, long-term Women’s Health Initiative study. Researchers found that women who exercised 5 to 6 days a week with a 30-minute brisk walk every time, reduced the risk by 10%. (3)
Obese, sedentary women’s risk was 30% higher than that of sedentary with normal BMI, and 44% higher than normal weight women who exercised. On the other hand, obese women who exercised had only a 17% higher risk than normal weight women who exercised. Dr. Perez says, “These are women not engaged in extreme forms of exercise, and what we found was that women who engaged in more exercise actually had a lower risk of AF. The more obese you were, the more you benefited.” (4)
The real difference is in the quality and quantity of our lives through lifestyle choices.
According to the American Heart Association, when the heart is beating improperly, it is unable to pump blood effectively. This means that the lungs, brain, and other organs cannot work properly, which can potentially shut down completely. (1) Exercise is one way to avoid that.
Post-menopausal women are less likely to suffer from arrhythmias when physical activity is increased.
When the heart is unable to work properly, life-threatening situations could arise. For example, certain conditions can lead to heart failure and stroke. (2) But recent researchers found that post-menopausal women who are the most physically active had a 10% lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to women that exercise less, even for the obese.The study led by Dr. Marco V. Perez at the Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic at Stanford University School of Medicine, and his team analyzed data from large, long-term Women’s Health Initiative study. Researchers found that women who exercised 5 to 6 days a week with a 30-minute brisk walk every time, reduced the risk by 10%. (3)
Even obese women and reduce the risk by engaging in physical activity.
Generally, obese women are most likely to develop AF, however, incorporating regular physical activity reduced that risk!Obese, sedentary women’s risk was 30% higher than that of sedentary with normal BMI, and 44% higher than normal weight women who exercised. On the other hand, obese women who exercised had only a 17% higher risk than normal weight women who exercised. Dr. Perez says, “These are women not engaged in extreme forms of exercise, and what we found was that women who engaged in more exercise actually had a lower risk of AF. The more obese you were, the more you benefited.” (4)
Making good lifestyle choices, you can personally make a difference in your own health.
It’s always a great reminder that exercise is important for our health, even for those who suffer from certain ailments. Regular physical activity is better than nothing. As little as 30 minutes a day, you can reap great benefits! It’s also a good reminder to think carefully of our own lifestyle choices. How we treat our bodies now can make a tremendous difference in the future. This applies to even post-menopausal women going through “the change.”The real difference is in the quality and quantity of our lives through lifestyle choices.
Walking a mile each day 'cuts cancer death risk by half': Physical activity described as 'wonder drug' for breast and prostate patients
- Patients can cut risk of dying by half by walking one mile a day, study finds
- Those with breast cancer can reduce risk by up to 40% via physical activity
- For bowel cancer patients, doubling walking distance 'halves risk of dying'
- Research carried out by Walking for Health, run by Macmillan and Ramblers
- Calculations were based on walking one mile at a moderate pace of 3mph
A study revealed physical activity as a ‘wonder drug’, with those diagnosed with breast and prostate cancers able to cut their risk of death by up to 40 per cent.
And for bowel cancer patients, doubling the walking distance was found to halve the risk of dying.
The calculations are based on walking one mile at a moderate pace of 3mph, which would take just 20 minutes a day.
The research by Walking for Health, a network of walking groups run by Macmillan Cancer Support and the Ramblers, found physical activity can also reduce the impact of some debilitating side effects of cancer treatment, such as swelling around the arm, anxiety, depression, fatigue, impaired mobility and weight changes.
The charity estimates that 1.6million of the two million people living with cancer in the UK are not active at recommended levels.
Ciarán Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: ‘Today’s research highlights the very simple reality – walking can save lives.
It says breast cancer patients cut the risk by 40 per cent if they do recommended levels of activity, compared with those doing less than an hour a week.
The risk is reduced by 30 per cent for men with prostate cancer.
Bowel cancer sufferers who walk 18 miles a week – 2.5 miles or around 50 minutes a day – can cut their risk of dying by 50 per cent.
Walking for 150 minutes a week at 3mph results in total walking of 7.5 miles in a week – just over a mile, or 20 minutes a day.
Government guidelines advise all adults to do 150 minutes of moderate activity such as gardening, dancing or brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise including playing sport, running or aerobics every week.
Just 36 per cent of British women meet the moderate activity target.
Benedict Southworth, chief executive of the Ramblers, said: ‘The benefits of walking are numerous. It is increasingly clear that walking even short distances regularly can make the world of difference for those recovering from and managing cancer or other serious health conditions.
‘Walking for Health offers free, short group walks across England, which are the perfect way to build confidence and fitness in a friendly, supportive space.
‘All walks are led by friendly, knowledgeable people, specially trained for the job. Many of our walkers have long term conditions such as cancer themselves and find the companionship and fresh air a wonderful therapy.
‘We want to put walking at the centre of efforts to tackle physical inactivity and echo Macmillan’s call for health professionals to prescribe walking to those who are recovering from cancer or other health conditions.’
Physical education is more than just a recess activity
Student, parents and teachers should welcome the dedication of the
many individuals who provide daily exercise opportunities for children
in Maryland. Mr. Samuel's efforts should be part of a comprehensive
physical activity program that includes state-mandated physical
education instruction.
At a time when the benefits of daily physical activity for academic learning are well known, it is important that school systems work diligently to provide daily physical activity. Some of this may be in the form of recess, but most of it should be in the presence of a qualified and certified physical education professional.
It is important that parents, teachers, principals and administrators realize that there are differences between the discipline of physical education and the programs provided by Mr. Samuel and Playworks.
Recess provides children with discretionary time to engage in physical activity. Many organizations, such as SHAPE America and the Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, recommend a period of recess everyday.
Physical education, on the other hand, has national and state standards and should be taught by a certified individual who has obtained that certificate by going through a four- or five-year college program and who knows how to differentiate instruction according to the abilities and experiences of each child.
There are fitness tests that most Maryland districts administer in order to ascertain what areas of health-related fitness are most needed when designing curriculum. Games and activities are taught with an eye toward what their specific benefits to fitness levels are, and this is articulated to the students. Physical educators also have training in concussion awareness, heat-related injuries and proper nutrition.
Elaine Lindsay
The writer is executive director of the Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
At a time when the benefits of daily physical activity for academic learning are well known, it is important that school systems work diligently to provide daily physical activity. Some of this may be in the form of recess, but most of it should be in the presence of a qualified and certified physical education professional.
It is important that parents, teachers, principals and administrators realize that there are differences between the discipline of physical education and the programs provided by Mr. Samuel and Playworks.
Recess provides children with discretionary time to engage in physical activity. Many organizations, such as SHAPE America and the Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, recommend a period of recess everyday.
Physical education, on the other hand, has national and state standards and should be taught by a certified individual who has obtained that certificate by going through a four- or five-year college program and who knows how to differentiate instruction according to the abilities and experiences of each child.
There are fitness tests that most Maryland districts administer in order to ascertain what areas of health-related fitness are most needed when designing curriculum. Games and activities are taught with an eye toward what their specific benefits to fitness levels are, and this is articulated to the students. Physical educators also have training in concussion awareness, heat-related injuries and proper nutrition.
Elaine Lindsay
The writer is executive director of the Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Physical activity must be promoted more in health care settings
More attention is needed to the benefits that increasing physical
activity in health care settings has for the prevention and management
of health problems, especially in the case of chronic conditions. In the
WHO European Region alone, one million deaths per year (about 10 % of
the total) are estimated to be attributable to physical inactivity.
Health care solutions include education reform and active workplace
support for health care professionals; guided prescriptions of physical
activity for patients, and the design of health care facilities to have
both indoor and outdoor healing environments. These were among the
conclusions drawn at the 10th Annual Meeting and 5th Conference of HEPA
Europe, the European Network for the promotion of Health-Enhancing
Physical Activity, held in Zurich, Switzerland, from 27–29 August 2014.
The event was hosted by the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine
of the University of Zurich, with support from the Swiss Federal Office
of Public Health, and was attended by over 220 participants from the
European region, as well as North America, Japan and Australia.
This HEPA Europe event featured best practices, research and policies under the theme of “Physical activity promotion in health care settings”. Keynote presentations emphasized the importance of physical activity for patients’ healing and coping abilities; current barriers to increased physical activity in health care settings; and promising interventions for sustaining success, such as providing attractive walking circuits for patients and the use of pedometers. A summary of state-of–the-art knowledge on physical activity and health was shared, along with cutting-edge research on the relationship between genetics and physical activity behaviours.
Sessions on current topics in research included active transport health outcomes; socio-economic determinates of physical activity and sedentary behaviours; medical students’ perception of the health risks of physical inactivity; exercise programs for fall prevention; and workplace interventions to reduce sitting time.
Major policy developments presented for discussion were the adoption of a Council Recommendation on Health Enhancing Physical Activity by the Council of the European Union and the on-going work of the WHO European Region towards a European Strategy on Physical Activity.
This HEPA Europe event featured best practices, research and policies under the theme of “Physical activity promotion in health care settings”. Keynote presentations emphasized the importance of physical activity for patients’ healing and coping abilities; current barriers to increased physical activity in health care settings; and promising interventions for sustaining success, such as providing attractive walking circuits for patients and the use of pedometers. A summary of state-of–the-art knowledge on physical activity and health was shared, along with cutting-edge research on the relationship between genetics and physical activity behaviours.
Sessions on current topics in research included active transport health outcomes; socio-economic determinates of physical activity and sedentary behaviours; medical students’ perception of the health risks of physical inactivity; exercise programs for fall prevention; and workplace interventions to reduce sitting time.
Major policy developments presented for discussion were the adoption of a Council Recommendation on Health Enhancing Physical Activity by the Council of the European Union and the on-going work of the WHO European Region towards a European Strategy on Physical Activity.