A 5-point plan to promote a physically active and health school
Schools play a far greater role in shaping healthy, active lifestyles than many people realise. In 2006, my first published article Promoting Physical Activity and Health in Schools [available click here ] at the beginning of my academic career, I argued that schools, and particularly physical education teachers, are uniquely positioned to help children develop the habits, skills and attitudes needed for lifelong health and wellbeing. Has anything changed? I contexed the argument within at the time growing concerns about childhood obesity, declining physical activity levels and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Research cited in the article shows that many children spend significant amounts of time engaged in screen-based entertainment while physical activity levels had declined. At the same time, health authorities recommend that children participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day and limit recreational screen time which...
