Fitness is Fun!
July 2006

Shape of the Nation Report
The Shape of The Nation Report is a project supported by the professional members and leaders of the National Association for Sports and Physical Education (NASPE), an Association for the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHEPERD) and by the volunteers and leaders of the American Heart Association (AHA). The Shape of the Nation Report provides current information on the status of Physical Education in each of the states and the District of Columbia for children in grades K to 12. The purpose of the report will help bring attention to the need for quality Physical Education programs that will increase the health, academic performance and well-being of all children. To learn more about the Shape of the Nation Report visit http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/ShapeOfTheNation/PDF/ShapeOfTheNation.pdf.

Grants Issued to Seniors that Choose Healthy Lifestyles
The Administration on Aging (AoA) will award competitive grants in the form of cooperative agreements to states to empower older people to take more control over their own health through lifestyle changes that have proven effective in reducing the risk of disease and disability among the elderly. These grants are designed to mobilize the aging, public health and non-profit networks at the State and local level to accelerate the translation of HHS funded research into practice through the deployment of low-cost evidence-based and disability prevention programs at the community level. This initiative holds great potential for improving the quality of life of seniors and reducing the cost of heath care over the long run. For more information visit http://www.grants.gov/search/synopsis.do.

Food Pyramid for Children
The government has developed exciting ways for children to learn about healthy eating habits and understand how to use the food pyramid. They have created a spaceship computer game, activity worksheets, and health tips for families. In the “My Pyramid Blast Off” game, children must load a rocket ship with the correct amount of healthy foods. If players load the rocket with the wrong combination of food, or too much of it, the spaceship will not have any fuel to blast off to Planet Power. The game is designed for children 6-11 years old. My Pyramid Blast off game, activity sheets, and other classroom materials can be downloaded or requested at http://mypyramid.gov/kids/index.html.

Michael Young Helps Lead Students to the Finish Line
After five months of training, eighteen students and four teachers from Las Flores Middle School completed the Los Angeles Marathon. Michael Young, a math teacher at Las Flores Middle School, created the fitness program called “Students run Los Angeles” because he was worried about the increasing number of overweight children. He decided that he would have to adopt a healthy lifestyle in order for his students to respond positively to the program. Young explained, “The approach I take is a more ‘do as I do’ not just a ‘do as I say’ style.” Young found that in order for the children to stay motivated he had to be in shape also. He is in such great shape now that he is featured in the May issue of Men’s Health Magazine. Young’s motivating attitude generated a whole level of excitement around Las Flores Middle School and more students and staff members have been leading a healthier lifestyle.

Have you or someone else motivated a group of children or adults to lead a healthier life? Email us your story at preschal@indiana.edu and it could be featured in next month’s newsletter!

Fitness Question of the Month for June

What is your greatest physical fitness accomplishment? Here are your answers for the last month’s question.

My greatest physical fitness accomplishment was completing my first full marathon last year at the age of 65. I walked the entire 26.2 miles in six hours and fifty-six minutes. I finished second in my age group.

-Judy
Aurora, IL

I think my greatest accomplishment was just recently. My first PALA award, sticking with the workout, completing my first 6 weeks without giving up! I'm convinced I will continue working out now, it really helped me getting into a routine, thank you.

-Heidi
Annandale, VA

A couple of other old timers and I rode from Enid, OK and to Wichita, KS on my 60th birthday. One of the riders was a minister and as luck would have it he had 5 flats. Finally, the last flat blew out the tire. We used an aluminum beer can that we found along side of the road for a boot. It was exactly 100 miles to the McDonald's on the south side of the city. I am now 72 and ride in the Hotter N Hell ride in Wichita Falls, TX each year. Now, I usually ride 50 or 100K instead of 100 miles.

-Denny

I loved "gym" class and it didn't matter what the activity or the game. I remember during my high school years being tested for the 50 yard dash. None of the other girls could beat me. In my senior year I was awarded the "Most Athletic" girl. I knew even in grade school I wanted to be a Physical Education teacher as I loved the games and the activities we played and I wanted all the kids to love it as much as I did.

-Diane

While in my 30's I decided to return to a sport I participated in while I was a teen. It required me to trim down and tone up. My goal was to compete at the end of the season and make it to the national competition. I exercised and practiced several hours a week. I reached my goal. I lost the weight and inches, gained strength and qualified to compete at the nationals against several young girls.

-Colleen

On Saturday morning, June 17th, I ran my first ever 5K and then on Sunday, June 18th, I biked 32 miles and walked for 6 miles for the American Diabetes Association.

-Amy
Fargo, ND

Fitness Question of the Month for July:

U.S. Obesity rate is rapidly increasing. What do you think causes children today to be less fit compared to when you were a child? What can we, as Americans do about the growing epidemic?
Please respond via E-mail to The President's Challenge at preschal@indiana.edu We'll include the most insightful responses in the July issue of Fitness is Fun.

Remember to fill out State Champion, Model School, and Demonstration Center applications to ensure that your students are rewarded for their hard work! For more information, including application deadlines and guidelines, please visit http://www.presidentschallenge.org/educators/school_recognition.aspx.