Sedentary living is a serious global public health problem that is associated with numerous preventable diseases. Schools are in a position to be the most cost-effective public resource to combat inactivity. In schools physical educators are positioned to be the strongest advocates of a healthy, active lifestyle. To effectively promote physical…

In September 2000, the Physical Education Kindergarten to Grade 12 Program of Studies was approved for implementation in Alberta, Canada. This program helps enable individuals to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. The four general outcomes are the ABCDs (Activity, Benefits Health,…

This book provides evidence that the pedometer is an effective tool for teaching students about physical activity, improving teaching and facilitating program accountability. It covers all the basics of starting a pedometer program, including how to use and store the devices. It also offers special considerations for school settings (e.g.,…

In Japan, pedometers are so popular that most households there now have several. While pedometers have not yet reached this level of popularity in the United States, the media commonly discuss monitoring physical activity with pedometers. This discussion has focused both on its use as a monitoring device and as a means of physical activity…

Obesity is second only to smoking as the nation's number one preventable cause of death. Fewer than one in four kids gets 20 minutes of physical activity per week and fewer than one in four participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. In an effort to help students switch to a healthier lifestyle and through a grant from PANA…

This teacher resource focuses on athletic (track and field) skills. It includes various skills and activities that are designed to promote learning opportunities and motivate Alberta (Canada) students to run, jump, and throw. It emphasizes the physical skills that form the basis of the track and field events in the 8th IAAF World Championships in…

A school-based walking program is an inexpensive and amusing way to get young students physically active. The article presents a program that can be adapted for students of any age and implemented as a physical education class unit, after school activity, or recess program. (SM)

This book provides guidance on what high-quality movement programs for young children should include, offering a curricular foundation, strategies for teaching, and assessment ideas. It defines and illustrates specific interrelated components of developmentally appropriate practice in providing movement education for young children. There are…

This K-12 physical education curriculum presents six areas in which Arkansas students should show competence. The six strands are: health related fitness (students will be knowledgeable of and derive immediate health benefits from participation in vigorous musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory enhancing activities); movement/motor skills (students…

To teach students to maintain active lifestyles, physical educators must know what motivates students to exercise. The article discusses factors contributing to youth inactivity, what physical educators can do about the problem, and what research says about exercise motivation and adherence. Six recommendations for physical educators are included.…

Presents a series of articles that address the theme of promoting active lifestyles through education. Some topics are facilities and equipment, how fear plays a part in limiting participation in physical activity, working with disabled as well as aging persons, the use of water activities, and instructor accountability. (GLR)

This reference book provides 20 real-life examples of how to implement the "Guidelines for School and Community Programs to Promote Lifelong Physical Activity among Young People," developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The book also summarizes the CDC guidelines. Based on the recommendations from national…

Roughly 39% of children and youth with disabilities are physically active (Longmuir & Bar-Or, 2000). Increasing the number of individuals with disabilities who are physically active is a public health priority (Kosma, Cardinal & Rintala, 2002). This paper will highlight the current status of physical activity for persons with a disability by…

The 10-volume "Health Facts" series is intended to supplement health education curricula and to provide a handy reference for individuals who would like additional background information on particular health topics. The emphasis is placed on topics and examples relevant to youth of middle and high school age. The five sections in this…

Obesity prevalence has increased dramatically in the United States. Rural areas have been especially affected, yet few weight management studies have been conducted in these populations. This study was designed to assess weight management attitudes and strategies used when rural adults in particular attempt to lose weight, employing measures that…