ACTIVE COMMUTING
walk, bike, or skate to school!
A new study shows walking, biking or skating to school has a
significant impact on kids' physical activity levels, particularly in
young girls.
Only 15 percent of kids walk or bike to school,
representing a lost opportunity for physical activity. Physical
inactivity is a strong contributor to overweight and obese kids.
Many schools have cut back on their physical education programs and even
outdoor recess in some cases.
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"TV watching, computer use and video games
are sedentary activities children do before and after school.
Active commuting, like walking to school, is a way to get kids active
without being competitive, scheduled or complicated. And in many
case, their walk to school may be the only exercise they get that day,"
says Dr. Steven Blair, past president of the American College of Sports
Medicine and renowned physical activity expert.
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"ACTIVE
COMMUTING" BOOSTS KIDS' ACTIVITY LEVELS
ACSM and Mars, Inc. to Promote Walk-to-School Programs
as Part of Youth Health Initiative
Active
Travel to and from School
ACSM's Fit Society Page
Watch ACSM's
Video News Release on Active Commuting! Click here
to view!
OTHER ACTIVE COMMUTING PROGRAMS OR
RELATED LINKS:
Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
KidsWalk-to-School
Schools can register for
Walk-to-School Day
and learn about programs across the globe at www.iwalktoschool.org.
www.walkingschoolbus.org
www.bikesbelong.org/page.cfm?PageID=249m
www.saferoutesinfo.org
safety.fhwa.dot.gov/saferoutes/legislation.htm
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/Safe-Routes-2004/
(U.S. Department of Transportation SR2S legislation)
International resources:
www.saferoutestoschool.ca
www.saferoutestoschool.ca/index.php?page=walkingschoolbus
Other ACSM Resources:
ACSM
Youth Sports & Health Resource Center
ACSM's Fit Society Page: Youth
Sports & Health
When is it the right time for kids to exercise? Read articles from our
member experts on youth and physical activity.
CLASSROOM-BASED
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY HELPS KIDS STAY ON TASK
Dual Benefits Seen in Academic Instruction and In-School
Physical Activity Levels
COACHES'
BEHAVIOR AT ODDS WITH ETHICS, PARENTS' EXPECTATIONS
Study Calls for Enforcement of Standards
NUTRITION,
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BOOST SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
Four-Year Program Improves Test Scores, Discipline,
Attendance
LESSONS
IN YOUTH ACTIVITY
Expert dispels misconceptions to motivate adults who
influence children
EXPERT:
JUST ADD ACTIVITY TO EXISTING YOUTH PROGRAMS
Program development can be as easy as encouraging play
and organizing activity
EVERYDAY
VIGOROUS ACTIVITY INCREASES BONE STRENGTH IN CHILDREN
Childhood play promotes bone health; may help prevent
osteoporosis later in life
CHILDREN
CARRYING HEAVY BACKPACKS RISK POOR POSTURE, INJURY
PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM
New information presented at ACSM Annual Meeting
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