The problem was clear. The challenge set forth was daunting but vital. How can fitness be introduced to children at an early enough age to change the course of the childhood obesity epidemic? The answer seems simple enough: more access to fitness opportunities and healthier eating alternatives in order to instill healthy habits at a young age. But the obstacles…
Most oftenwellness programs focus on improving employee fitness levels along withemphasizing good nutrition. Seldom isany specific attention given to retaining and improving the functions of thebrain. “A life-long commitment tostimulating brain activity contributes to quality of life, especially in thelater years. Exercises that promote brain health vary widely and include physicalactivities such as walking and intellectually stimulating activities. Amongother benefits, brain…
We always tell our customers that the products and solutions we provide serve more than just one population. In a school setting, a PE class, fitness class, special needs kids, and the sports teams can all get a tremendous benefit from the Exergame products. The key is how they use them for each population. Below is a great article from…
By Dan Lawler, Ph.D. Education Consultant Exercise 4 Learning The NeuroActive BrainBike™ is an exercise bike that trains the body and brain for fitness. The BrainBike™ was engineered by Dr. Stephane Bergeron, MD, president of Brain Center America (BCA), and a team of international brain specialists. It is designed to improve user’s memory, concentration, multitasking, and a complete range of mental…
By Dan Lawler, Ph.D. Education Consultant Obesity is a health crisis in the United States, as well as in many other countries around the world. On average, an obese person in the U.S. will cost society over $6,000 a year in loss of productivity and medical treatment. There are many experts and organizations in this country dedicated to changing this…
By Dan Lawler, Ph.D. Education Consultant Exercise4Learning™ As an elementary principal one of the most exciting interventions I have ever experienced was the implementation of our Exergaming® lab. Our school, not unlike many across America, had a minimal amount of minutes that students were receiving physical education. As a community, because of financial reasons, we saw little opportunity to increase…
By Dan Lawler, Ph.D. Education Consultant Exercise4Learning, LLP As an elementary principal for over 30 years, I have witnessed many strategies and techniques that influence student motivation to get fit. Motivation, as we know, can be induced artificially – i.e. fear, candy, rewards, etc. – but the effects are temporary. There is no substitute for the real thing – intrinsic…
Ever since the Commission on Excellence in Education published the Nation at Risk in 1983, school systems across America have been racing to improve academic performance. Over the years this issue has become a major political priority. Simply put, both parties had their ideas about how to reform public education. Both sides of the political spectrum have raised credible arguments…
This year 2010 YMCA General Assembly was held in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah July 8th -10th at the Salt Palace Convention Center. The General Assembly of YMCAs is the premiere celebration of the YMCA Movement in the United States, designed to inspire, rejuvenate and affirm each attendee’s passion for YMCA work and provide meaningful connections to others in the…
Health professionals, including nurses, may find a new and frustrating problem facing them on the job, presented by childhood obesity. The numbers are staggering, showing that childhood obesity has become a nationwide epidemic. While the nation is addressing the problem, illnesses that affect obese children often become obstacles in helping them to lose weight. Hence, obese children often become obese…
GAME ON! Interactive Fitness & Exergaming Options for Today’s Club Owners By: Club Solutions Magazine Date: 1/1/2009 Interactive Fitness & Exergaming Options for Today’s Club Owners In today’s world, it has become almost impossible to ignore the impact that technology has on our lives. Software has improved to the point that it often seems to read your mind, and the…
A Message from Phil Lawler – PE4Life Many people argue that childhood obesity is not a school issue and it is not the responsibility of the school to be concerned about children’s health. Schools are designed to teach reading, math, science, English, now foreign language, and history. No Child Left Behind as made sure core academics remains the focus of…
