This document summarizes physical activity guidelines and research on the importance of physical education. It finds that physical inactivity is rising among children and adults in the US, contributing to health issues. Research shows physical activity improves brain development, academic performance, and reduces health risks. The document provides physical activity guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults and lists resources for more information.

1. This presentation is authorized for distribution and use by Baltimore County Public Schools personnel and programs. Other uses and copying are prohibited.

2. Baltimore County Physical Education

3. This presentation will provide facts from research to support the need for Physical Activity. Why is Physical Education Important?

4. Americans become increasingly less active with each year of age. FACTS Inactivity among children has now been linked to sedentary living among adults.

5. Evidence now exists to show that inactive children and youth are likely to become inactive adults. FACT

6. Most chronic illnesses, such as heart diseases, are a result of cumulative unhealthy lifestyles. FACT What is done in childhood and youth affects health later in life.

7. STATUS OF THE NATION – A NEED FOR CHANGE The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than doubled in the past 30 years. CHILDREN Inactivity and poor diet cause at least 300,000 deaths a year in the U.S. Fewer than 1 in 4 children get 20 minutes of vigorous activity every day of the week. About 1 in 4 children did not play on any sports teams, either at school or through community programs.

8. STATUS OF THE NATION – A NEED FOR CHANGE Nearly half of young people aged 12-21 are not vigorously active on a regular basis. Physical activity declines dramatically with age during adolescence. Female adolescents are much less physically active than males. Adolescents and Young Adults

9. STATUS OF THE NATION – A NEED FOR CHANGE Enrollment in daily physical education classes dropped from 42% in 1991 to 25% in 1995. High School Students Only 19% of all high school students are physically active for 20 minutes or more in physical education classes every day during the school week.

10. STATUS OF THE NATION – A NEED FOR CHANGE More than 60% of adults do not achieve the recommended amount of regular physical activity. In fact, 25% of all adults are not active at all. Inactivity increases with age. Inactivity is more common among women than men. Inactivity is also more common among those with lower income and less education. Adults

11. What does Physical Activity do for the body? Helps Control Weight

12. Physical Activity Healthy Bones Lean Muscles Joints I feel better already! BUILDS AND MAINTAINS

13. Physical Activity Reduces Body fat percentage Blood pressure in some adolescents with hypertension Feelings of anxiety Feelings of depression Moodiness

14. Physical Activity May Prevent or Delay the development of high blood pressure

15. Physical Activity may also reduce Risk of dying prematurely. Risk of dying from heart disease. Risk of developing diabetes. Risk of developing colon cancer.

16. PROMOTES BRAIN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT Research Indicates that PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WHICH LEADS TO IMPROVED COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE

17. Brain Development Research Indicates that Physical Activity Improves Short-Term Memory. Builds Heavier, More Synaptic Rich Brains.

18. by increasing the number of brain capillaries. This happens with regular aerobic exercise. This is a great day for a jog. Activity improves cognitive performance Preschool through High School Regular exercise helps provide more glucose and oxygen to the brain. Regular exercise also helps remove waste products like carbon dioxide. Aerobic activity 3-4 days per week optimizes brain performance!

19. Preschool through Elementary Examples are: Walking Running Jumping Changing speed of movement Changing direction of movement Maintaining balance while the body is in motion Focus on developing basic motor skills needed for human movement . To Increase Brain Growth & Development

20. Before the age of 10 years… Motor skills and pathways need to be continually developed and reinforced. At about age 10, the brain begins prioritization. Only the most practiced skills are kept and preserved. Physical Activity will reinforce and strengthen connections through sensory and motor experiences. In order to promote brain growth and development

21. Through middle and High School Require the learner to develop new motor skills. Challenge the learner beyond the basic motor skills they should already possess. Variety is the key! People continue to develop motor pathways in the brain. After 10 years of age and How do they do that?

22. NEW VIEW OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Greater health benefits can be achieved by gradually increasing the amount of physical activity in regard to these areas. Frequency – how often physical activity is done (Measured by number of days active per week) Intensity – how hard a person performs physical activity (Measured by heart rate) Time – how long a person engages in physical activity (Measured by the clock)

23. Brain research clearly suggests: Physical Education improves academic performance. Why is Physical Education Important? that sensory and motor experiences are imperative to reinforcing and strengthening brain connections.

24. Quality, Daily Physical Education Well-designed programs in schools to increase physical activity in physical education classes have been shown to be effective. A promising way to help people include more physical activity in their daily lives is…….

25. How much activity for Elementary ages? At least 30-60 minutes on all or most days of the week. More than 60 minutes, up to several hours per day, is encouraged. There should be a balance of moderate to vigorous activity with rest period variation. Children should not have extended periods of inactivity. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) offers these guidelines: Note: All activity should be developmentally and age appropriate.

26. Children and youth will only learn skills through continued participation in physical activity. FACTS Continued participation in physical activity provides children with the skills and confidence they need to participate throughout their lifetime.

27. How much activity is needed for adolescents? Daily physical activity is best almost daily is OK. Surgeon General suggests Activity can be part of play, games, sports, work, transportation, recreation, physical education, or planned exercise. The activity can be performed in the context of the family, school or community.

28. How much activity is needed for adults? Perform 20-30 minutes of aerobic activity 3-5 times per week. Incorporate lifelong wellness activities almost daily. Follow appropriate active lifestyle diet.

29. More Information can be received from National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), 1900 Association Dr., Reston, VA 22091 American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), 1900 Association Dr., Reston, VA 22091

30. MORE INFORMATION Center for Disease Control (CDC) 4770 Buford Highway, NE Atlanta, GA 30341 1-888-232-4674 The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Box SG Suite 250 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20004

31. Baltimore County Public Schools Vision All students will be physically educated, having acquired motor skills to perform a variety of physical activities, physical fitness knowledge, and intrinsic motivation to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle in an increasingly changing society.

32. Contact Baltimore County Public Schools Physical Education Fax: 410/887-4038 Mail: Office of Physical Education, ESS Greenwood Office Suite 315, 6901 Charles St., Towson, MD 21204 E-mail: snazelrod@bcps.org Phone: 410/887-4014 Sally Nazelrod, Supervisor Mike Mason, Resource [email_address]

33. Contact Baltimore County Public Schools Physical Education Mail: Offices of Health, Physical Education, and Fine Arts Dance ESS Greenwood Office Suite 315, 6901 Charles St., Towson, MD 21204 Phone: 410/887-4014 Fax: 410/887-4038 E-mail: squinn@bcps.org Sarajane Quinn, Coordinator

34. Contact Baltimore County Public Schools Adapted Physical Education Linda Webbert, Consultant Mail: Office of Physical Education, APE, ESS Greenwood Office Suite 315, 6901 Charles St., Towson, MD 21204 Phone: 410/887-4014 Fax: 410/887-4038 E-mail: lwebbert@bcps.org

35. The sun may set today, Power Point Created by: Christy Rawlins but when it rises tomorrow, you can exercise! Physical Education Teacher Perry Hall High School

36. You have been a great audience. Thank you. THE END

37. This presentation is authorized for distribution and use by Baltimore County Public Schools personnel and programs. Other uses and copying are prohibited.

38. Developed Summer 2001