May 1 - 7 is National Physical Education and Sport Week

Wakulla Middle School Physical Education and faculty will celebrate National Physical Education and Sport Week May 5 - 9, participating in activities to increase student's physical fitness and take a stand against obesity. Please encourage your family to get involved in healthy activities and help to reshape our nation's future.

To get children more physically active, parents, schools and communities must establish infrastructure and a “physical activity friendly” environment. These include:

Implement quality physical education programs in all schools;
Consider making school facilities available in the non-school hours (6-8 am, 5-11 pm) seven days a week, year-round;
Create safe and well-lit walking paths and fitness courses on school grounds and other public areas;
Monitor and restrict sedentary activities such as television, movies, web surfing and computer games;
Implement special family activities that involve physical activity (in-line skating, bike rodeos, family fitness nights);
Provide before school and after school programs that include physical activity opportunities;
Consider offering physical activity programs for school staff;
Expand positive athletic opportunities for all students;
Provide appropriate playgrounds and recess for elementary school age children; and
Encourage schools to promote physical activity opportunities that attract and serve all students (especially non-athletes).

Parents and other significant adults (teachers, coaches, etc) should model physically active lifestyles. Parents/guardians need to be aware of the school and community resources that they can choose from to assist children in learning to lead healthy, active lifestyles. All of us must advocate for, take responsibility and seek accountability for physical activity in the education of ALL children and youth.

This article originally published on May 5, 2008.