Learning starts with physical fitness

After reading the front-page story, “Dialysis clinic certification crisis” (Star-Advertiser, Oct. 31), and a recent article in Midweek about the promotion of diabetes education in Hawaii, I can’t help but wonder why there is not more focus on prevention starting at early ages in our public schools.

I agree that adult education regarding better eating and including more exercise are important, but why are we not prioritizing education in our public schools so as to develop healthy habits from a young age?

Has your child ever been kept in from recess as a punishment? Is your child receiving the recommended amount of physical education with half of it dedicated to moderate to vigorous physical activity? Does your child receive a break every hour for some physical activity?

My parental experience has shown me that physical activity improves almost every aspect of my children’s lives. There is a clear correlation between physical activity and student performance at school, both academically and emotionally.

Physical well-being is critically important to the success of our Hawaii public school students. Can students succeed when they are hungry, poorly nourished or lacking in physical stamina? Good physical health provides the baseline from which successful learning can occur.

This is recognized by the Hawaii Department of Education’s Wellness Guidelines that advocate for nutritional and physical well-being. While these guidelines are well-intentioned, they are often forgotten or relegated to the bottom of the priority list.

Physical activity has many benefits: It helps students focus when they return to class, teaches them social lessons, and primes their bodies to digest calories at lunch. Every school has a committee that meets regularly to address school health issues, including the implementation of the Wellness Guidelines.

Concerned parent might want to find out who is heading their school’s committee to see how well-served their child is by the school’s adherence to these guidelines.

For example, in the area of physical education the guidelines call for the following:

>> Physical education to be provided to students in elementary grades at least 45 minutes per week and secondary grades at least 200 minutes per week.

>> At least 50 percent of physical education class time dedicated to moderate to vigorous physical activity.

>> Regardless of grade level, students are provided at least 20 minutes a day of recess that include opportunities to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity.

>> Students are provided with physical activity breaks at least every 60 minutes.

>> The school does not use or withhold physical activity (for example recess or PE) as a negative consequence.

One might find it very interesting to read the Wellness Guidelines that include other recommendations, including those that focus on nutrition. Search online for Hawaii DOE Wellness Guidelines. Then contact your school’s designated wellness coordinator to find out if your child is receiving the nutritional and physical support that he or she is entitled to.

The framework is in place; our voices need to be heard so as to give our children the tools needed to develop healthy lifestyles.

Kristi Matson is a public school parent.