"ACTIONS" by Dan Pangrazi

Eating disorders, obesity, drug and alcohol addictions, depression, pregnancy, suicide, and murder: these are all problems that our children are confronting every day in the U.S. We can lump these childhood issues into one word: "HELP"! Our children have grown "ahead of the times", but our public schools have not. Instead, they seem to be going backwards by cutting back. We need to make a few changes to reduce these childhood problems. I believe that we can save our kids, our nations’ future, by taking this first step called:

A- Active

C- Children

T- Today

I- In

O- Our

N- Nations’

S- Schools

Our children are less active since the advancement of modern technology. Kids watch TV, play video games or interact on their home computers. These are all sedentary ways to entertain our kids. Very little energy is expired to perform these tasks. The only muscles required are the fine motor muscles controlling their hands and eyes. Does this sound like a good way to reduce the obesity problems facing our children? NO! Does this sound like a good way to reduce tension and stress in our children? NO! In fact, it does the opposite on both counts!

The actions of jumping, running and skipping require a great deal of energy. We use the large muscles in our body to do these actions. Our heart pumps blood to the major muscles and that is what increases our heart rate and makes us sweat. These activities will burn calories and ultimately allow us to reduce our body weight. It also relieves tension in our muscles and fatigues us physically. By allowing our bodies to work, we can use up the energy stored for those emotions such as rage and anger. This can reduce the violent behavior in our children.

So, why are our public schools decreasing the amount of Physical Education? Some schools offer P.E. classes once every 5 days(if they’re lucky!). Most have it once every 6 or 7 days. And some schools have a policy where students participating in after school sports do not have to take P.E. I have also read that other schools offer P.E. on a rotating basis: that is - every other quarter! What kind of message are we sending our children? It is a fact that people can reduce their risk of many health problems and keep physically fit by exercising 3-4 times per week for 20 minutes. Shouldn’t we be sending this message to our kids? I think so and so should you!

I suggest ACTIONS: Active Children Today In Our Nations’ Schools.

ACTIONS is:

Some examples of exercise classes include:

Junior and Senior High School

"STEP" or Floor Aerobics
Walking Program
Muscle Toning/Sculpting Exercises
Gymnic Ball Exercises
Weight Room Intervals (Sr. High Only)

Elementary School

Obstacle Courses
Gymnic Ball Exercises
Aerobic Stations
Gross Motor Relays and Games

These group fitness classes would be offered after school five days per week for one hour. Certified Exercise Instructors would teach them.

This plan would involve some effort from parents, school officials, and local and state representatives. It would take money to hire additional staff, purchase new exercise equipment and keep our schools open longer.

I believe our kids are worth it!

I urge you to act on ACTIONS. Help our children by educating other representatives, writing up legislation and passing laws to promote Active Children in Our Nations’ Schools. ACTIONS speak louder than words! For additional information please email me directly.

Dana Pangrazi