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John M. Wilson |
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Advocacy manager |
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American Heart Association |
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Too much body fat |
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A Body Mass Index of 30 or greater, or about 30
pounds or more overweight |
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Extreme obesity is defined as a BMI of 40 or
greater |
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Between 1990 and 1998, Alabama has had a steady
increase in obesity rates, with 38% of the population classified as
overweight. |
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In 1998, Alabama Department of Public Health
data revealed that 80% of the adult population in Alabama did not get
regular physical activity. This classifies Alabama among the least active
states. |
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including
obesity-related heart disease and stroke, is the number one killer in every
city and county in Alabama. More Alabamians die each year from CVD than from
all forms of cancer, respiratory diseases, injuries and complications from
diabetes combined. |
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“The percentage of young people who are
overweight has doubled since 1980.” |
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“Of children aged 5 to 10 who are overweight,
61% have one or more cardiovascular disease risk factors. . . .” (U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services 2000b, p. 5). |
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Raises blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels |
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Lowers HDL "good" cholesterol |
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Raises blood pressure levels |
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Can induce diabetes |
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American Heart Association |
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Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult
disease, has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. |
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Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of
becoming overweight or obese adults. |
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American Heart Association |
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The most immediate consequence of overweight as
perceived by the children themselves is social discrimination. This is
associated with poor self-esteem and depression. |
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Direct medical costs associated with obesity: |
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$51.6 billion in 1995 |
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$126 million for children and adolescents |
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Annual costs for diseases associated with
physical inactivity: $76 billion |
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CDC |
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Harvard Health Forum Survey 2003 |
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National survey of over 1,000 adults |
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92% support more physical activity in schools |
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Two thirds believe schools have a role in
combating obesity |
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76% think more school physical education could
help control or prevent childhood obesity |
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95% think physical education should be part of a
school curriculum for all students K-12 |
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54% believe physical education is as important,
or more important than academics such as math, science and English |
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Children age 2 and older should: |
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participate in at least 30 minutes of enjoyable,
moderate-intensity activities every day |
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perform at least 30 minutes of vigorous physical
activities at least 3-4 days each week for cardiovascular fitness |
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Cost money |
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Be conducted in a continuous 30 minute block |
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Hurt |
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Integrated Activities |
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Walking Programs |
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Classroom Exercises |
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Stretching |
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Dance |
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School-wide activities |
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Homemade or student-made equipment |
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Before- and after-school opportunities |
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PE Specialist in the School |
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Curriculum Leader |
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Plans direct contact |
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Coordinates structured physical activity time |
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Budget cuts make it difficult to promote P.E. |
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Be vocal in advocating need for more physical activity. |
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Educate school Administrators/BOE on health
consequences. |
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Partner with other groups to advocate for more
P.E. |
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AHA |
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ADPH |
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PTA |
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Am. Diabetes Association |
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Develop relationships with state legislators. |
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We must “fight the good fight” and continue to
promote P. E. for public schools. |
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The health of our children depends on it. |
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Notes