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Active LA Seniors

Physical Education (especially early on) is a MUST!

Physical Education, combined with Physical Activity, is a necessity for training proper technique and offering general exposure to activities in an inclusive format.

Read why other demands often outweigh physical education in schools.

If kids don't get proper physical education at an early age, it gets harder and harder to introduce them to activities they enjoy. Kids who are left out at an early age are more likely to avoid physical activities later in life.

Recommendations for Schools:

• Ensure physical education classes are in compliance with all relevant sections of the California Education Code.

• Place a cap of 45 or less on physical education class size.

• Mandate physical activity and nutrition education from K - 12 as part of a comprehensive school health curriculum to help students adopt lifelong healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.

• Implement a formal Coordinated School Health Program.

• Hire teachers with physical education credentials to conduct the elementary physical education program; ensure a Registered Dietitian is on staff for meal evaluations and nutrition counseling.

• Provide professional development for teachers and administrators to implement grade-level guidelines for physical education and nutrition.

• Eliminate the advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages on school grounds and the use of unhealthy foods in fundraising, incentives, and other promotional programs.

• Incorporate into the construction and/or remodeling plans of all schools, adequate space for food services, physical education, and produce gardens either on-site or through joint-use agreements.

• Allow school recreational facilities to be available for after-hours use by children and their families.

• Institute policies that prohibit the use of physical activity as a punishment, or food as a reward.

• Ensure that students have appealing, healthy choices in foods and beverages offered both within and outside of the school meals program.

From "Obesity Epidemic in L.A. County". See more

Easy-to-do exercises for kids:
Kids in Action (kids 4-6) and Exercise Breaks for Kids (6-14)

Links to more educator information:

California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (CAHPERD)

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