Pat O'Donnell, M.Ed., C.I.T.
Since 1983, May has been observed as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Individuals and organizations everywhere have joined in the fun to promote awareness of the value of physical activity in the pursuit of happier, healthier, more productive lives.
Here's a collection of articles and tips from our experts on fitness and sports to help you evaluate your child's fitness, your own role as a fitness model, and how your school promotes a healthy life style for your child.
FAMILY FITNESS and HEALTH ISSUES
All That Glitters
Do we push our young athletes too hard, too soon? Here's one expert's opinion.
Organize an Exercise Class at Home
Our children learn best by following our example. Establishing a family exercise class at home will show your kids just how important staying fit is for everyone.
Families and Fitness
The Surgeon General's report notes that children tend to become less active with each passing year. Your family's attitudes about fitness and exercise can change that trend. Read on and find out how.
Five Tips on Staying Safe and Fit
Here are some basic ideas for keeping your family safe and fit.
Kids and Extreme Sports
Extreme sports like rock climbing, snowboarding, inline skating, surfing, skateboarding, extreme skiing, and mountain biking are drawing young people away from the more traditional sports. Find out what the attraction is and how safe these extreme sports really are.
Seduced by Steroids
Although the use of artificial stimulants is banned by every ethical group, steroid use is still a major concern for young athletes.
Working Moms and Working Out
Finding time to work out presents some real challenges to working moms. Read how these moms find solutions to their workout schedule.
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SCHOOLS AND SPORTS PROGRAMS
Choosing the Right Sports Program
We know our kids should be actively involvedin some organized sport, but which one is the right one? These guidelines will help you evaluate the programs in your community and match one with your child's likes and interests.
Kids and Sports
Millions of kids join organized sports teams each year. But each year more and more of those kids quit the team because it "stopped being fun." Find out what you can do to change this.
Leveling the Playing Field
Title IX legislation has changed how we support sports in our schools. Schools should be offering equal opportunities for males and females.
What Every Parent Should Know about Gym Class
Gym class has undergone a lot of important changes over the past 20 years. Get the full details here.
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SPORTSMANSHIP
Foul Balls and Furious Fathers
Baseball can add new meaning to the phrase, "men behaving badly." Here's an alternate approach to coaching and supporting young players.
Sports Gone Sour?
What's causing the increased trend in violence and unsportsmanlike conduct across the country?
Talking about Sportsmanship
If your child is involved with sports, it's time to start a conversation about good sportsmanship.
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INTERNET RESOURCES
These links will take you off your school website onto the Internet. To make it easier to return to your school site, have your web browser open these links in a new window. That will leave your school site open while you visit some of these sites. Here's how to do that: PC -- right click on the link and then select "Open in New Window". Mac -- place the cursor over the link you want to open, then hold your mouse key down until the special menu comes up. Select "Open in New Window". When you're ready to come back to the school site, restore it from the link at the bottom of the page.
Physical Education Standards
MCREL (The Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning) has one of the most complete collections of teaching standards and benchmarks on the Internet. The physical education standards have five strands divided into grade clusters: k-2, 3-6, 7-8, and 9-12. Use the standards to see how fit your child really is.
Shape Up America Fitness Center
Dr. Koop organized this site to help Americans assess their level of fitness, determine what needs to be done to enhance their fitness, and offer support and encouragement to become more physically fit. You'll also find valuable nutrition information here as well.
Games Kids Play
Here's a great place to look for ideas when you're planning that family exercise night! You'll find directions for more than 200 common playground games at this site.
CDC Physical Activity and Health Publications
This site from the National Center for Disease Control has several publications for you: School Health Index for Physical Activity and Healthy Eating: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide; Promoting Physical Activity; List of Publications, 1998; Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health; Physical Activity and Good Nutrition: Essential Elements for Good Health, At-A-Glance; Guidelines for School and Community Programs to Promote Lifelong Physical Activity Among Young People.
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