HEALTH &

FITNESS

Awesome
Elementary
East Lansing, MI

Volume 1, Issue 1

Ms. Hales Classroom Newsletter

Benefits of Being Physically Active

Hello Families!
Over the next few weeks we will be
discussing some of the benefits of being
physically active, as we finish our unit on
health awareness! Each newsletter will
touch on different benefits that are
gained by being
physically active!
Lets take a look!

What is Physical Activity?

Physical activity has been broadly
defined as a bodily moment that is
produced by the contraction of
skeletal muscles which increases
energy!
It has also been defined as an
athletic, recreational, or
occupational activity that requires
physical skills and utilizes
strength, power, endurance,
speech, flexibility, range of
motion, and agility.

Why Should We Be
Physically Active?

Studies indicate that the more

physical activity, the greater the
health benefit!
Even modest amounts can have
great health benefits for children
which can venture into their adult
lives.

How Much is Enough?

Its recommended that children 5-17
years of age should be active for at
least 60 minutes per day
More vigorous intensity activities
should be incorporated when
possible which strengthen bones and
muscles.

What are the benefits of

Being Physically Active?
Watch for our next newsletter to find
out!

Corder, Kirsten, et al. "Perception Versus Reality: Awareness of Physical Activity Levels of British Children." American Journal of Preventive Medicine 38.1 (2010): Goldberg, Jennifer H., and Abby C.
King. "Physical Activity and Weight Management Across the Lifespan." Annual Review of Public Health 28 (2007): 145-70.
Janssen, Ian, and Allana G. LeBlanc. "Systematic Review of the Health Benefits of Physical Activity and Fitness in School-Aged Children and Youth." International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and
Physical Activity 7 (2010): 40.

HEALTH &
FITNESS

Awesome
Elementary
East Lansing, MI

Volume 1, Issue 2

Ms. Hales Classroom Newsletter

Benefits of Being Physically Active
Physical Activity Makes Bones
STRONG!

The growing skeleton is extremely responsive to mechanical

strain placed upon it
Adapting to stress leads to an overall increase in bone mass
The adolescent skeleton is capable of vast quantities of bone
mineral accrual
Even 10 minutes of moderate to high impact activities can have an effect on
bone mineral density

So What Does This Mean?

Since the young skeletal system is responsive to the bone-building influence
gained from physical activity, physical activity can protect against future
fractures!

Fun Game For Recess?

HOPSCOTCH!
First draw out the playing area using chalk
To play, youll need a small object to throw in the
squares, like a pebble or beanbag.
First you try to throw the object on a number in sequence (1-10) and hop
through all the squares on one foot, skipping the number that your object is
on, without touching the lines.

Then you pick up your rock as you hop all the way back to the first square

Carter, Cordelia W., and Lyle J. Micheli. "Beyond Weight Control: The Benefits of Physical Activity for Children." Pediatric annals 41.12 (2012):
Janssen, Ian, and Allana G. LeBlanc. "Systematic Review of the Health Benefits of Physical Activity and Fitness in School-Aged Children and Youth." International Journal of Behavioral

HEALTH &
FITNESS

Awesome
Elementary
East Lansing, MI

Volume 1, Issue 3

Ms. Hales Classroom Newsletter

Benefits of Being Physically Active

Physical Activity is a Form of Weight Management

Obesity has a growing impact on our society! By learning how to prevent obesity we
can lead healthier lives!

What is Obesity?

Obesity is defined using body mass index (BMI) units. For children and
adolescents, weight status can be determined by comparing BMI with age- and
gender-specific percentiles.
Physical Activity plays an important role in preventing the development of
overweight and obesity in young children, which can lead to a healthier young
adulthood
90% of the United States population could prevent weight gain by increasing
physical activity by just 100 kcal per day!

Fun Game To Play At Home?

HOT LAVA!

Dont touch the floor or youll lose an arm or leg!

However, you can change up the story however you want!
The object is to travel from pillow to pillow without touching the floor.
Practice your jumping, leaping, and strategizing abilities.
Travel from one end of the room to the other, without touching the
hot, sticky lava!

Goldberg, Jennifer H., and Abby C. King. "Physical Activity and Weight Management Across the Lifespan." Annual Review of Public Health 28 (2007):
Stankov, Ivana, Timothy Olds, and Margaret Cargo. "Overweight and Obese Adolescents: What Turns them Off Physical Activity?"International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and
Physical Activity 9 (2012):

HEALTH &
FITNESS

Awesome
Elementary
East Lansing, MI

Volume 1, Issue 4

Ms. Hales Classroom Newsletter

Benefits of Being Physically Active
Physical Activity is GREAT For Our Brains!
Those who exercise regularly are less likely to meet criteria for diagnosis
of major depression, anxiety disorders, social phobia, specific phobia, and
panic attacks
Active individuals also have a reduced risk of cognitive impairment
and dementia
Those who maintain an active lifestyle better maintain cognitive function
and brain tissue integrity
Exercise can also improve cognitive function and
small changes in brain volume

So What Does This Mean?

Those who maintain physically active lifestyles have healthier, happier brains!

Fun Game To Play With Friends and Siblings?

SILLY DANCE CONTEST!
Take turns leading each other with different moves back and forth
across the room with your silliest, craziest dance moves!
Then have a little dance show and take turns dancing to our
favorite music; With the help of parents or teachers
Be sure to watch and clap for each other.

Gregory, Sara M., Beth Parker, and Paul D. Thompson. "Physical Activity, Cognitive Function, and Brain Health: What is the Role of Exercise Training in the Prevention of
Dementia?" Brain Sciences 2.4 (2012): 684-708. ProQuest. Web. 7 June 2015.
Saxena, S., et al. "Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity." Journal of Mental Health 14.5 (2005): 445-51. ProQuest. Web. 7 June 2015.

HEALTH &
FITNESS

Awesome
Elementary
East Lansing, MI

Volume 1, Issue 5

Ms. Hales Classroom Newsletter

Benefits of Being Physically Active
Physical Activity Can Help Us in School!
Children who get more physical activity tend to do better in school!
This physical activity can come in the form of recess, physical
education classes, or even walking to and from school
Physical activity increases blood flow!

So What Does This Mean?

Physical activity not only increases oxygen levels to the brain,
but it also improves cardio-respiratory endurance.
An increased oxygen level facilitates learning!
Children are more alert and able to retain more!

Reminders for Parents and Students!

Children should be active for at least 60 minutes per day!

Physical Activity Makes Bones STRONG!
Physical Activity is a Form of Weight Management!
Physical Activity is GREAT For Our Brains!
Physical Activity Can Help Us in School!

Suwanski, Rich. "Study: Physical Activity Helps Academics." McClatchy - Tribune Business NewsJan 08 2012. ProQuest. Web. 7 June 2015
Koch, Jennifer L. "LINKING Physical Activity WITH Academics: STRATEGIES FOR INTEGRATION." Strategies 26.3 (2013): 41.ProQuest