PE vs PA: Fighting Obesity

Some quick facts that is true to America and many other nations:

• The percentage of overweight young people has more than tripled since 1980 (CDC)

• Sen. Tom Harkin, “This young generation will be the first generation in American history, that will have a shorter lifespan than their parents.”

• Over 12.5 million US children and adolescents are considered overweight (CDC/NHANES Survey 2004

• Tow-thirds of all high school students DO NOT get 60 minutes of daily physical activity (CDC / Youth Health Risk Behavior Survey, 2005)

Who are the major players to promote and advocate physical activity:

NASPE (National Association for Sports and Physical Education) and AAHPERD (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance) provide the following resources for quality programs and curricula:

• National Standards for Physical Education
• National Standards for Beginning Teachers
• National Standards for Sports Coaches
• Four journals published throughout the year
• NASPE News newsletter
  
  What is the difference between physical education and physical activity? Are they interchangeable as many students get their daily physical activity from physical education programs?
  
  The main difference is that physical education is based on a sequence of learning: knowledge, motor skills, and social skills taking place in a safe and supportive environment.
  

Physical activity is just that – being active, engaged in movement, with a high fun factor in a recreational atmosphere. NASPE recommends that school-age students accumulate at least 60 minutes and up to several hours of physical activity per day – while avoiding prolonged inactivity.

Physical education on the other hand creates an opportunity to learn in instructional periods. The recommended minimum amount is 150 minutes per week for elementary students and 225 minutes per week for middle and high school students. The emphasis is on learning and practice skills with continuous assessment.

Problem is, physical education is disappearing from schools. Budget cuts and emphasis on other subject matter has diminished the role and importance - not to mention funding - for quality physical education programs. Pangrazi et al., already proven that more physical activity takes place outside of school in three continents than in PE classes. It would be OK if the amount of activity was substantive. Its not.

The solution to these stunning statistics is every one's problem. Obviously we all need to support dedicated physical education professionals. We can encourage each student to participate in one sport a year at competitive level. We can walk a bit more when parking our cars. We can support funding by writing to political representatives. We can half portion sizes - take some home for a second meal. We can limit screen time for youngsters and come up with incentives for activity. We can set expectations in our homes, schools, and communities.

Overweight and obesity is a huge part of the health care and health insurance debate. It increase cost and places a premium on services.

The sad truth is that it can be prevented.

Be Active. Be Safe.

Michael Cordier