Human Relations Media Blog
Information and Resources for Guidance Counselors & Health Teachers
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!
Posted on April 10th 2013
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!
This month, celebrate, learn about, and get moving to National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Sponsored by the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, this month is about being active and staying healthy!
A Health Crisis for Kids Today
It is more important than ever to teach our students about physical fitness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the incidence of childhood obesity has doubled and teen obesity has tripled in the past 30 years. As of 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents are considered obese. With obesity comes a slew of other complications, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cancer.
Healthy Kids are Better Learners
Current research out of Teachers College, Columbia University shows plainly what we all know to be true-- that healthy students make better learners. When a child can concentrate on schoolwork, not health problems, he is more likely to excel in academics.
What You Can Do
Start a conversation with your students and your school administrator. Educate your students about the importance of physical fitness and good nutrition practices. Talk to your students about the small changes they can make, and encourage them to try!
Here are some questions to get the conversation started:
- Why is exercise good for your heart?
- What happens to your heat when you exercise?
- Who are some of your favorite athletic role models?
- If you make changes now, how do you image your future?
HRM Video offers many videos and curriculum on the importance of physical fitness. Click here to see a list, or check out some of the titles below:
Essential Physical Fitness: What Every Teen Needs to Know
Five Essential Habits of Healthy Teens
Making Healthy Choices: Fighting Teen Obesity
Ten Reasons to Get and Stay in Shape
