Obesity Study Results: A little help from my friend

Researchers in London were fooled by children taking part in a study to measure how much exercise they do. It seems that when step counts were unusually high they find out that clever children had increased their numbers by attaching their pedometers to their pet dogs.

The pilot study in Whitechapel required 11 and 12-year-olds to clip a pedometer to their waists, with researchers at the center collecting the readings by satellite.

"But after a week we found there were some kids who were extremely active but still obese," said Professor Maffulli.

When adjustments were made for the dog's activity the study indicated that boys in the borough walk or run 12,620 steps a day, below the recommended level of 15,000 steps.

It also found that girls take 10,150 steps, falling short of the recommended 12,000 steps.

Boston schools failing to provide physical education mandate

Boston’s public schools have failed to provide any formal instruction in physical education to about 25 percent of the city’s students, despite a state law that requires physical education be taught to all students in all grades.

Boston’s failure to provide physical education to all its students has prompted the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to order a “corrective action plan’’ from the city. The plan, approved last month by the state, calls for Boston school officials to file a progress report in September showing steps the city is taking to remedy the problem, according to Heidi Guarino, chief of staff for the Massachusetts Department of Education.

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Balance- The Basis of all Movement

Balance is the foundation upon which all physical skills are built. Children experience balance first by controlling and “balancing” their head. The balance mechanism comes into play in a baby who tries to sit up without falling over.
Standing balance and walking with balance is evident by a proficient stride. Then there is balancing on one foot and also the ability to balance an object with a body part. Good balance practice comes into play when, oddly enough, a child is off balance and internal balance mechanisms are stimulated and the body works hard to regain its balance.

A wide base of support is helpful for good balance. Football players do this in their stance and babies learning to walk do this with their feet wide apart, sub-
consciously applying this principle.

So, even if high rope walking isn’t planned for your future for your child, balance abilities lay the foundation for graceful execution of daily skills.

Copyright 2001 Fundamental Movement "Parent's Page" Peaceful Playgrounds, Inc.

Pupils' work improves after a healthy lunch

New research from the UK suggests that improving students' lunch experience can improve their behavior and classroom concentration by almost 20% in the afternoon.

A School Food Trust (SFT) study found that improving food and dining facilities had a positive effect on pupils' behavior and meant they were better at working on their own. This study was conducted in secondary schools across England and included a control group.

The study said: "These findings have important implications for classroom teaching in secondary schools.

More on Pupils' work improves after healthy lunch....

Free Webinar Today - Recess Before Lunch- 5 Steps to Success

A few brave principals across the nation are bringing a long standing school tradition to an end. They are advocating Recess Before Lunch. Recent research shows the number of schools implementing Recess before Lunch is rapidly growing.

Kids eat more, waste less food, return to class calmer, behave better and as a result, instruction time is increased. Sounds great but implementing Recess Before Lunch can be tricky.

Attend this free webinar where we share 5 steps to prepare staff, students and parents for successful implementation.

Free Registration Link. July 8 at 11:00 PST.