Due to the obesity epidemic, which has become a national health crisis, with annual health care costs over $150 billion, Physical Education is gaining momentum again and its value in schools is more important than ever. In fact, First Lady Obama, in recognizing the need for children to move more and eat better, has started a national campaign called, Let’s Move. In 2006, nearly 10 million children and adolescents ages 6-19 were considered obese. Along with rising obesity rates, the rate of prescription drug use by children for diabetes,high blood pressure and high cholesterol is increasing. Obese adolescents have a significantly greater risk of developing and dying from chronic diseases in childhood. Of all U.S. deaths from major chronic diseases, 23% are linked to sedentary lifestyles. Children’s physical activity level drops dramatically between the ages of 9 and 15. Evidence suggests that physical activity has a positive impact on cognitive ability, avoiding tobacco use, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Recent studies have found a strong correlation between aerobic fitness and academic performance as measured by grades in core subjects and standardized test scores. Several large-scale studies found improvements In students’ academic performance with increased time spent in physical education. 95% of parents believe physical education should be part of a school curriculum for all students in grades K-12. THEREFORE, regular physical activity is associated with a healthier, longer life and lower risk of CVD, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. Together with other healthy lifestyle choices, such as better nutrition, the American Heart Association strongly advocates for daily, quality physical education in our nation’s schools as an important part of a student’s education program and as a way to improve life-long health and well-being. Children need a head start on a healthy life. All of these facts were taken from The American Heart Association research article. For more, click this link. http://www.letsmove.gov/http://bit.ly/ndNe4shapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1

The difference between Physical Education and Physical Activity, read HERE.


CDC’s commitment to promoting healthy schools and healthy youth.  HERE you will find informative research.


Let’s Move- First Lady Obama’s mission to eradicate childhood obesity


Physical Activity and Academic Performance- check these out, the research is piling up

Active Education


Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution- follow this British revolutionary as he works to improve the way our adolescents eat in school...powerful stuff.