The second edition of the national physical activity guidelines was recently released with expanded and enhanced recommendations. See the full document here.
Relevant revisions include:
• Additional health benefits of physical activity related to brain health
• Immediate and longer term benefits of physical activity on how people feel, function, and sleep
• Risks of sedentary behavior and their relationship with physical activity
• Physical activity guidance for children ages 3-5 years
The National Physical Activity Plan envisions a day when Americans are physically active and live in a culture supportive of and conducive to physical activity. The first plan was released in 2010, and has evolved over the years. In 2014 and again in 2016, a report was published to “assess levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviors in American children and youth, facilitators and barriers for physical activity, and related health outcomes.”
The third iteration of this report is now available. It provides an array of information relevant to anyone working with children and shares the current status of physical activity engagement about American youth. Across nine highlight areas, the top grade was a C with the lowest grade earned in “overall physical activity” at a D-. This is a disappointing result, but speaks to the continued need for promotion of classroom physical activity and facilitation of a culture of movement in schools.
Link to 2018 US Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth webpage
In a recently published research article about the body mass index (BMI) reports that are sent home by some schools, parents’ perceptions are reported. Results were mixed, but it does appear there is a benefit to providing this information to parents. However, the researchers draw an important conclusion, which is:
“Schools are a critical link in improving the health of children through programs such as BMI health reports. However, if schools take on the responsibility of sharing BMI report cards with parents, they must also be willing to provide some support and act as a resource for parents.”
While this site is dedicated to promoting physical activity, which is associated with physical, psychological, and academic health, physical activity is just one critical component contributing to holistic health. There are many, including diet, stress, and support networks…and sleep! Many of us report an increased crankiness with lack of sleep, but sleep is also inexplicably linked to a host of other factors.
In this article, sleep quality and duration are connected to learning, the ultimate goal of our education system. As such, sleep is an important consideration for educators, and addressing children’s sleep habits may be that missing link in enhancing academic performance.
Read full article here.
I will admit I was unaware, until today, that June is National Great Outdoors Month! I do think the outdoors are great, though, and am happy to promote this initiative. More information can be found here.
To commemorate the great outdoors, SHAPE has informed me about several helpful infographics provided by the CDC to promote activity. These great resources, Get Moving! Screen Time vs. Lean Time, offer age-specific activity ideas, many of which are outdoor pursuits.
For 8-10 year olds: Click here
For 11-14 year olds: Click here
For 15-18 year olds: Click here
This month, let’s all decrease screen time and GET MOVING. Then let’s keep it going all summer long!
We are all likely familiar with the nutrition guidelines and the physical activity guidelines for both youth and adults. Recently, however, Canada has created new guidelines that integrate physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behavior. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (aged 5-17) addresses four Ss: sweat, step, sleep, sit. These new guidelines provide a more holistic recommendation for overall health.
“For optimal health benefits, children and youth (aged 5–17 years) should achieve high levels of physical activity, low levels of sedentary behaviour, and sufficient sleep each day. A healthy 24 hours includes:
For more information about the guidelines:
Integrating physical activity, sleep and sedentary behaviour — a world first! Sept. 1, 2016 (Link to article)
24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (Link to guidelines)
The UNICEF Kid Power Band is a partnership between UNICEF, Star Wars, and Target, and offers kids the chance to “unlock” food for malnourished children through activity. The idea combines the need for physical activity engagement among children in developed countries and the need for food for children in developing countries. One might hope that funds to feed malnourished children would be provided regardless of corresponding activity levels if the funds are available, but this concept does provide motivation to individuals with the band…and teaches children about giving to others. For more information, see the UNICEF Kid Power site. There is also a 44 second video to promote the program and to encourage kids to get active!
An interesting article was published this month entitled “Students’ eating and exercise habits over the summer break: The role of family income“. As a teacher, I’ve always been aware of the “summer backslide” academically. At the beginning of a new school year, academic standards are often higher than at the end of the previous grade, yet children have spent the summer away from the educational tutelage of school. This article offers the common-sense point of view that summer is also a time when health habits are different. Indeed, I was speaking with a teacher in line at Target recently who confessed that she, herself, ate more ice cream and worked out less during the summer because it was “vacation”. Adults and children, alike, may engage in less healthy behaviors during the summer months. And, according to this article, this disconnect is more prevalent in children of lower socioeconomic status.
The take-away? For teachers, we must be aware that the beginning of the school year is a time to reinforce, not only academic standards, but also healthy behaviors. Remember, active students are engaged learners!
The Healthy Schools Program under Alliance for a Healthier Generation just launched their Active Schools/Active Minds initiative for the 2015-2016 school year. And you can be part of it! Signing up will provide you with tools and resources to help your students achieve the recommended number of physical activity minutes they need each day for academic and health benefits.
Link to taking action: Active School/ Active Minds
And check out this great PDF of “Ideas to Incorporate 10 More Minutes of Physical Activity Every Day“
Health Powered Kids™, created by Allina Health, is a “free online resource designed to empower children and teens to make good choices about being active, eating well and balancing their lives.” One component of this website, which requires teachers to register for a free account to access materials, is Power Chargers. “Power Chargers are a collection of short exercises designed to give kids a quick activity break throughout the day. Choose from two, five or 10+ minute Power Chargers, depending on the time and space available.”
See our Materials page for links and more ideas on how to incorporate physical activity into your classroom!
