ABCs of Fitness in school day!

7-9-10: A study looked at the ABC's of fitness...but not the alphabet, but the effects of "Activity Bursts in the Classroom"! It's a preliminary study, but I think shows great promise based on the results. David Katz, of Yale, is the lead researcher in this study.

It's a preliminary study, and they discuss the limitations, but I think it's a great start and one that future research can be built upon, especially with utilizing exergaming.

Here's the source and link to this article:

You may want to see this recent article from Preventing Chronic Disease, the online e-journal:
http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2010/jul/09_0176.htm?s_cid=pcd74a82_e

Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed journal established to disseminate knowledge and promote discussion among researchers and practitioners in the field of chronic disease prevention and health promotion. All issues are available electronically, free of charge to subscribers.

You can find PCD on the Web at: http://www.cdc.gov/pcd

US Surgeon General to also try exergaming?

2-11-10: Here's another federal VIP, our US Surgeon General, giving her vision for a healthy and fit America.

Hmmmm, wouldn't that be wild if we could get the US Surgeon General Regina squaring off against 1st Lady Michelle in an exergaming tournament playing Makoto, racing each other on a Gamebike, or competing head on with their fave video game while on a Gamerciser?

Thanks to Pam Sampson of the Dept of Public Health, County of San Bernardino, for the following:

Information regarding the Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation 2010. For the full 21 pager visit… http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/obesityvision/obesityvision2010.pdf

The Surgeon General, Regina Benjamin, M.D., urges that “child care programs should identify and implement approaches that reflect expert recommendations on physical activity, screen time limitations, good nutrition, and healthy sleep practices,” all of which were key actions at the Healthy Kids, Healthy Future conference in September 2009. Action steps to support the Surgeon General’s goal of standardizing state regulations on physical activity, nutrition and screen time, are being addressed by the HKHF Steering Committee. Through changes in policy, dissemination and implementation of best practices, and continued development of the evidence base in research, the child care environment will become a healthier place for kids to grow and develop.

1st Lady to try exergaming???

2-11-10: Will we soon see 1st Lady Michelle Obama try out an exergaming game? That might not be as far-fetched as it sounds, given her new campaign, "Let's Move".

1st Lady Michelle Obama unveils a new initiative as part of her campaign to fight pediatric obesity: "Let's Move". Check it out and join for updates!

One of my goals is to get her to see how exergaming can be of value to her "Let's Move" campaign, especially for the intended target audience--kids who are sedentary (and probably avid videogamers!)--and let her see that exergaming can be a tool to get them to be more physically active. Call it FUN SWEAT!