Let’s Move is a national program initiated by First Lady Michelle Obama to help America’s youth adopt healthy lifestyles. Central to the program are increasing physical activity and promoting healthier eating among youth. President Obama, by executive order, established a taskforce to implement the program. Let’s Move strongly endorses high quality physical education programs as one of the most important way to get kids moving.
Let’s Move is a program that all people can get behind because the health of American’s children is critical the future of our country. Recent evidence suggests that the current generation of children will be the first to have a shorter life expectancy than the generation that preceded it, primarily because of the negative health consequences of obesity. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that the incidence of chronic health problems among youth has doubled over the past 12 years. Now 1 in 4 children have problems. In 1994 only 1 in 8 had similar health concerns. The incidence of obesity among American youth has tripled in recent years and is now at an all time high (17.6% for teens, 17% for preteens, and 12.4% for ages 2-5). Each year more than $150 billion is spent on obesity related medical conditions.
In attempt to curb obesity and associated health problems the First Lady and Surgeon General are both planning to take action, the First Lady with Let’s Move, and the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Regina M. Benjamin, with actions outlined in a document entitled, The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Fit and Healthy Nation. The Surgeon General, like Mrs. Obama, specifically recommends more physical education and physical activity in our schools. The following quote reflects areas of emphasis for the Surgeon General’s vision:
“Each school day provides multiple opportunities for students to learn about health and practice healthy behaviors such as regular physical activity and good nutrition. To help students develop life-long healthy habits, schools should provide appealing healthy food options including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, water and low-fat or non-fat beverages. School systems should also require daily physical education for students allowing 150 minutes per week for elementary schools and 225 minutes per week for secondary schools.”
Fitness for Life programs including Fitness for Life (high school), Fitness for Life: Middle School and the new Fitness for Life: Elementary School are designed to fulfill the missions outlined in the Surgeon General’s statement (see above) and the Let’s Move program outlined by the First Lady.
Physical educators will benefit from studying all aspects of the Let’s Move program and the Surgeon General’s Vision for the Nation. Knowing the details of the programs will be useful in informing the public of the need for quality physical education programs in our schools.
Reference:
Van Cleave, J. et al. 2010. Dynamics of obesity and chronic health conditions among children and youth. The Journal of he American Medical Association. 303(7):623-630.
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