Education Law

Physical activity: how much? how often?

BoardBuzz loves to sweat?we are no stranger to trails, pools, and bike paths. But even we get confused by all the advice out there about physical activity?how much, what types, and how often. That?s why we are jumping for joy about the new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

This first-ever set of federal recommendations?issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services?outlines the amounts and types of physical activity that can benefit the health of people over the age of six. The guidelines recommend 60 minutes of moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity per day for children and adolescents, and 75-150 minutes of physical activity per week for adults, depending on intensity.

Research shows that children?s physical activity levels drop dramatically as they enter adolescence. Not only do sedentary lifestyles contribute to obesity and related chronic diseases, but strong evidence also suggests that students who are healthier and more active have higher levels of academic achievement, are better behaved in the classroom, and are less likely to be absent.

Schools, while certainly not the only environment that impacts students? activity levels, can play an important role in helping them meet the new Physical Activity Guidelines. Some ways schools can increase physical activity before, during, and after the school day include:
1) Establishing safe walking and biking routes to school
2) Providing classroom physical activity breaks
3) Allowing daily recess
4) Offering physical activity programming after school
5) Allotting more physical activity time during PE classes

In light of the negative health and academic achievement consequences of inactivity, it is more important than ever to encourage students to get up and get moving! For more information about physical activity in schools, visit the NSBA School Health Programs web site.

Full post as published by BoardBuzz: NSBA's Daily Weblog on October 17, 2008 (boomark / email).