March 2006

Exercise Shown to Improve Brain Function
(Naperville, IL) - On May 2, Dr. John Ratey, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School will present the newer data from the world of neuroscience that clearly shows how physical exercise has effects on the brain that helps promote learning, regulate mood and improve self-esteem and motivation. The findings about physical activity and brain functioning reflect a growing understanding of the brain's amazing ability to adapt and develop. In addition to the findings about exercise and brain function, Dr. Ratey will also share the potential for brain research to reshape classroom practice to increase student achievement.

American Hiking Society Partners with the CDC

Outdoors columnist and would-be athlete Tom Wharton, writing in the The Salt Lake Tribune, challenged the outdoor gear industry, whose semi-annual trade show opens in Salt Lake this week, with the observation that “the message manufacturers too often send through advertisements and gear is that only the young, fit and healthy are worthy.” To read this article, click here .

John Merline, writing this week for TCS Daily, notes that spending on recreation has climbed at about the same rate as health care costs over the last 20 years – 386%. As the nation grows richer, he argues, “it has ramped up spending in several areas, including health care, that improve quality of life.” To read more, click here.

NEW STUDY SUGGESTS OBESITY THREATENS LIFE EXPECTANCY

In a contraversial study, scientists are predicting that rising obesity rates might cut lifespans by two to five years. Such a development would mark the first decline in life expectancy in the US since figures began to be kept in 1900. In 2003 the life expectancy reached an all time high of 77.6 years.

Rising levels of obesity among the young puts them at risk to be the first generation to live shorter and less healthy lives than those of their parents. Of particular concern are minority groups which show high levels of of obesity and have less access to medical care on the whole. One doctor described the threat of obesity as a "massive tsunami headed for the shoreline."

Read the whole story from The Washington Post or USA Today

Health and Recreation in the News

March 2006

Exercise Shown to Improve Brain Function
(Naperville, IL) - On May 2, Dr. John Ratey, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School will present the newer data from the world of neuroscience that clearly shows how physical exercise has effects on the brain that helps promote learning, regulate mood and improve self-esteem and motivation. The findings about physical activity and brain functioning reflect a growing understanding of the brain's amazing ability to adapt and develop. In addition to the findings about exercise and brain function, Dr. Ratey will also share the potential for brain research to reshape classroom practice to increase student achievement.

American Hiking Society Partners with the CDC

Inadequate Physical Activity Worsens As Teenagers Become Adults

CHAPEL HILL — While promoting physical activity and encouraging people to limit the time they spend watching television are important throughout life, those efforts are critical before adolescence, a new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill investigation concludes.

That’s because the physical activity picture worsens rather than improves as teens make the transition into young adulthood, UNC researchers found in the largest national study of changes in exercise patterns over time. Especially needed are efforts to get Hispanic and black girls to become more active, those scientists say.

News Release

Contact: SnowSports Industry Association, 703-566-9020, www.thesnowtrade.org

SNOWSPORTS INDUSTRIES AMERICA AND FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS PARTNER TO INTRODUCE SNOWSHOEING CURRICULUM TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS THIS WINTER

Students Can Earn Awards from President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports By Combining Snow Sports With Other Activities

(MCLEAN, Va., August 25, 2004) – Through a partnership with the Fairfax County (VA) Public Schools, SnowSports Industries America (SIA) will introduce the first curriculum-based snowshoeing program for use this winter by physical education teachers in the county. Kathy Murphy, general manager of Tubbs Snowshoes, will present an “Introduction to Snowshoeing” workshop for elementary teachers and secondary school teachers during the County’s annual physical education teachers’ in-service professional days September 1 and 2, 2004 at George C. Marshall High School in Falls Church, Va. It is the county’s largest gathering of physical fitness professionals and this will be the first time that a snow sport has been included in the Fairfax County in-service. Teachers will learn how they can offer snowshoeing in their physical education classes this winter and what what their students need to know to enjoy the winter activity. Teachers also can demo snowshoes outside during the in-service.