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Get Moving During May Fitness Month

With childhood obesity rates on the rise, it has become increasingly important for parents, students, and educators to join together to help students get active. According to the most recent data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the prevalence of overweight youth is 12.4 percent for two to five-year-olds, 17 percent for six to 11-year-olds, and 17.6 percent for 12 to19-year-olds. The month of May, designated as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, provides an opportunity to help students get active, reducing the chance of acquiring chronic health problems associated with obesity.

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, first observed in 1983, was created to promote awareness of the value of physical activity. The Presidential Fitness Partners became advocates of physical activity to promote happier, healthier, and more productive lives for students and their families. The Presidential Fitness Partners encourage educators to join with community members to plan one of the following events for National Physical Fitness Month:

1. Fitness/Health Fair – A special celebration featuring information and demonstrations for students and their families. The fair may focus on various health and fitness issues, including diabetes awareness, obesity, stretching, conditioning, smoking, food portion control, healthy hearts, the food pyramid, skin care, sugar content, healthy teeth, and drug and alcohol information. Participants may include local physicians, the American Heart Association, chamber of commerce, local universities, or health and fitness clubs.
2. Fitness Festival – An organized series of fitness activities involving school, recreation, or other sports and fitness agencies. Fun and interesting fitness activities may be highlighted or new fitness programs may be introduced to students. Students should be encouraged to continue a fitness activity or program after the festival.
3. Fitness Talks/Lectures/Film Showings – Create increased awareness and participation in local fitness activities by inviting state experts, local physicians, health officials, and fitness professionals into the classroom. Experts may participate in presentations, talk and lecture programs, or film discussions about the health benefits of physical activity.
4. Fun Runs/Fitness Walks – Many agencies and groups promote such events as part of their regular fitness programs. These may be tied into Fitness Month. Assistance may be available from local running clubs or groups such as the National Road Runners of America. It is extremely important, however, that necessary precautions for emergency care be observed in planning and conducting a fun run or fitness walk.
5. Sports For All Day – Schools may wish to schedule a series of sports events, tournaments, or other athletic activities.
6. Fitness/Sports Testing – Local medical groups, universities, fitness/sports experts, or fitness testing Web sites can assist in the development of fitness and sports testing.
7. Other Suggestions – Take this opportunity to launch your school's President's Challenge Youth Physical Fitness Awards Program (top achievers are eligible for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award). Focus on youth fitness and events of special emphasis such as distance runs, walking tours, fitness assessment, or sporting events.

Celebrating National Physical Fitness and Sports Month can require a tremendous amount of planning and organization. It can also require publicity and fundraising. It is important to gather the support of parents, educators, students, and community members in order to plan a successful event. It is also important to remember that fitness is an important topic to teach every month. If you're unable to plan an event for May, celebrate fitness throughout the year, one physical activity at a time.