"FIZ ED" RECONSIDERED

What is it about physical education class that has created such distaste throughout the general public? Did we come to despise the militarism and the grouchy coach or ex-coach as he threw out a ball and sat on the bleachers and laughed as the weaker, less athletic kids took a beating from the "jocks?" Was the dread of that experience fed by what occurred in the locker room as we hastily showered and returned to the regular classroom wet, sweaty and humiliated? The list of why that experience has come to be perceived as less than positive or beneficial is dependent only on the recollection of millions of citizens who suffered through "that mandatory class" as they matriculated.

What should physical education classes offer students? How about teaching healthful dietary habits? How about encouraging young people to enjoy the benefits of being physically active? How about being given the opportunity to learn there is more, far more, to be gained than dodging a ball aimed for the head. How about learning that one does not have to aspire to becoming the admirable, lovable, popular jock in order to achieve and maintain health?

With the current concern about health care, it seems we are focused on dealing with the symptoms instead of concentrating on avoiding the contributory pitfalls of poor health. How can our negative attitudes concerning the health of our children be addressed and corrected?

Perhaps daily physical activity classes should be made mandatory for students from K-12. Many school corporations, at least in Indiana, have succumbed to the pressures of the naysayers and have relegated physical education to a one semester class to be "served" sometime within the last four years of secondary education. Of course, this scaling back is often explained as being necessary due to budgetary constraint. There is a limited amount of money and physical education, art and music have become considered unimportant frills of the curriculum. In effect, we have agreed a strong mind in a weak, uncreative body is acceptable.

I do not question the importance of the core curriculum. Certainly students must be taught, and learn, history, biology, science, math and languages. It seems, however, if we are to fully address health concerns, we should seek measures that will curtail and prevent obesity, diabetes and hypertension as young people grow older. What must be changed for that to take place?

Teachers of health education should be encouraged to present healthful dietary information. Schools that allow sugary soft drinks and salty snacks should re-evaluate what they are encouraging. School lunch counters should offer wholesome, balanced menus and avoid the fast foods that may reinforce poor eating habits.

Adequate time within the daily schedule must be allowed for students to participate in non-competitive physical activity. Replace dodge ball, basketball and competitive events with less demanding and potentially more beneficial activities such as walking and flexibility exercises. Each school day could have at least a thirty-minute time allotment for students to enjoy a break from sitting in a classroom. All but those with serious physical impairments could benefit from this low-impact activity. A few minutes of walking outside when the weather permits and inside when appropriate would allow more sedate students an opportunity to experience the cumulative effect of regular, moderate exercise.

Why have we allowed the school day to become so short? Why shouldn't the day be lengthened for thirty or forty-five minutes? Again, many will answer, it's a matter of resources, money and...the teachers' union. I'm sure a curriculum director could arrange the proposed extra time, if motivated. Certainly any well-meaning professional teacher could understand the necessity of a slightly longer school day if it promised benefit for their students.

It seems we are overlooking a crucial component if we truly want healthier citizens. We need to get the young people moving, using their bodies so those strong minds can work better and longer. We need to move away from the "fiz ed" of yesterday and adopt the sound, sustainable practices that will lead to a better future for our children. Our children will begin to reap the benefit of better, more healthful lives when we insist physical education offer more than what we experienced.