Smart Life

In a recent conversation about obesity, I expressed that the absence of physical education in schools has also contributed to childhood obesity.  As a child, I remember having a PE class everyday – not so the case today.  Since the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 and vast budget cuts, Physical Education class has been put on the back burner.

How important is PE in schools today? – Very!  Studies have shown that physical education benefits the process of a child growing into adulthood, increases their capacity to learn, enhances weight control and increases self-esteem, to say the least.  This past summer, my son put my theory to the test by participating in physical activities daily and replacing fruit drinks with water.  As a result, he lost three pounds in only one month!!

While I understand that there are so many other things “we” as a family can do, reality is that children spend most of their waking hours at school.  With longer school days, more homework and responsibilities, there is very little time to get a daily exercise routine in except in school.  This is why I strongly believe that schools should implement at least 45 minutes of daily physical activities into their curriculum.

The www.LetsMove.gov site states that The U.S. Department of Education will be working with Congress on the creation of a Safe and Healthy Schools fund.  This fund will support schools with comprehensive strategies to improve their school environment, which includes improving the quality and availability of physical education.  I’ll be keeping an eye on this!


Contributed by Mimi