4 May
“Military leaders report that obesity is now one of the most common disqualifiers for military service. Economic experts tell us that we’re spending outrageous amounts of money treating obesity-related conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. And public health experts tell us that the current generation could actually be on track to have a shorter lifespan than their parents.” – First Lady Michelle Obama
9 March
The American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention and the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism recently held its third dual conference March 2-5 in San Francisco, Calif. The program is designed to encourage and promote the development, advancement and exchange of new information about treating and preventing heart disease and stroke. A new study discussed at this conference lends merit to the idea that kids with a greater fitness level have improved academic performance.
24 February
The GoTrybe crew took a field trip to Lake Ridge Elementary to see how teachers and students are using GoTrybe in the classroom. Special thanks go out to Principal Phillips, Ms. Pearce, Laura Matney and all the students that make GoTrybe part of their life.
22 February
If you are in school or have gone to school since Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, you have some experience with the President’s Challenge and Presidential Physical Fitness Award. I know I was very proud of mine “signed” by President Ronald Regan. I also remember lots of my fellow students receiving the same award. We were considered to be in at least B+ shape, in the top 15% of all students the same age.
16 February
In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which provide science-based recommendations to help persons aged 6 years or older improve their health through physical activity. Included in these national guidelines is a chapter dedicated to physical activity recommendations for children and adolescents aged 6-17 years. These guidelines reflect the most up-to-date research about youth physical activity and associated health benefits (from http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/physicalactivity/guidelines.htm)
14 February
Although many want to be responsible for the cure (or at least help), it still seems the root cause is a mystery to some. There is no doubt that an unfortunate condition, such as disease or physical limitations may contribute to a child being overweight. Arguments can also be made that easy access to cheap, unhealthy, fast food is to blame. Others may say it is because kids spend too much time in front of a computer or television.
13 February
Today’s kids are tomorrow’s adults. Not exactly a groundbreaking statement. However, put into context, this statement is very concerning when it comes to obesity.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s graphic shows the adult obesity trends in the US over a 23 year period from 1985 to 2008. By clicking the animation button, you can see each [...]
13 February
“We’re excited that more Tennessee students will be introduced to GoTrybe as a fun new tool to help improve their health and fitness,” said Cooper. “Science shows healthy students are more successful in school, and that forming healthy habits at a young age can help put these young people on the path toward a lifetime of wellness.” – Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner, Susan Cooper
10 February
Funded by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Health through Project Diabetes, GoTrybe is now available to approximately 175,000 students and faculty in seventeen school districts. These school districts are located in GoTrybe’s home region of East Tennessee.
For those not in the know, GoTrybe is an online, interactive social community dedicated to the health [...]
9 February
The first Lady’s effort is largely focused on making changes to diet and policy. There is a lack of emphasis on real changes to physical education in schools or any real encouragement to get kids active. She mentions cutting back on television time but no real focus on specific activites or programs, like GoTrybe, to divert some of that sedentary screen time (watching television) into Active Screen Time.
