Ashley Taylor

Philosophy Rough Draft

It has been said that children are the future, but what happens when poor health in
adolescent leads to poor health in adult hood and life?(CDC,2014) Physical Educations goal is to
develop the physical, social, emotional and mental health through a variety of lifetime physical
activity that leads to improved health and well-being. The need for the Fitness Education
model and a health related curriculum is crucial when one third of children and adolescents are
obese or overweight (CDC, 2014) Fitness Education, which emphasis high physical activity and
healthy learning habits for life, also help stimulate the brain when learning and students are
seen to have higher and better test scores after participating in moderate to vigorous physical
activity (Medina, 20.)
The top five leading causes of death in adults and youth are all preventable, and physical
activity has been shown to reduce the risk of these preventable causes of death. The goal of
Physical Education is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to engage in physical
activity and healthy living for a lifetime. Regular physical activity reduces stress and anxiety in
children, as well as increasing self-esteem and other health aspects of life (CDC, 2014.) These
results can also be seen in adulthood and more of a reason to teach children at a young age
how to stay active, so they can continue to do so throughout life. Physical activity can also
prevent chronic disease including; diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers.
Since diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, the need for high
physical activity is crucial (CDC,2014.) Cardio vascular disease is the fifth leading cause of death
in youth, and physical activity reduces the risk of that as well (CDC,2014.)
A good physical education program also enhances a students physical, intellectual and
social development. Physical Education helps improve a students academic performance in of
school, including enhanced concentration and attentiveness in class, time on task, and reading
to improve ability to learn and improved academic achievement (CDC,2014)(spark.) The CDC
also states that physical activity can impact cognitive skills, attitude, and academic behavior;
which all are important academic performance components. Physical Education has also been
connected to lower drop-out rates, absenteeism and improved social connectedness (Spark.)
Physical Education is also a time to create an environment that is mastery oriented, and
provides a space for students to feel safe and be able to grow and develop at their own levels.
This type of environment leads to better social connections and interactions, higher perceived-
competence, and more enjoyment. Enjoyment is such a huge aspect in Physical Education
because without it, youth and adolescents will not want to stay active now or later. A
curriculum that teaches lifelong activities, health concepts, produces high MVPA and helps
students feel safe and connected with their environment and peers is a way to help create a
positive and enhancing learning environment. The goal is to help youth and adolescents
develop the knowledge and skills to keep them healthy and active now and in the future.



References
Children and Diabetes More Information. (2013, September 25). Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Retrieved May 19, 2014, from
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/projects/cda2.htm
Adolescent and School Health . (2014, February 27). Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Retrieved May 19, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm
Adolescent and School Health. (2014, March 12). Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Retrieved May 19, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/facts.htm
How Physical Activity Affects Academic Performance. (n.d.). SPARK PE. Retrieved May 19,
2014, from http://www.sparkpe.org/blog/how-physical-activity-affects-academic-performance/