Sun-Sentinel
Thursday February 2, 2006

EDUCATION ISSUE:
Broward schools find ways to
reinsert physical fitness instruction.
Click Here For Acrobat file of Article

With the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association targeting childhood obesity as a public enemy, it’s clear that the dismal lack of physical fitness is a significant problem.

Fortunately, the problem is getting attention in the Broward County public schools. At the start of this academic year, Broward schools launched the Commit 2B Fit program for third graders. Then, last month, the schools rolled out a companion program, Spoga4Kids, also for third graders.

The two programs teach children the importance of exercise and proper nutrition, with the goal of fostering healthier bodies and minds.

The Commit 2B Fit program distributed special planners to 17,000 kids. The workbook, which is filled with factoids about good health, encourages them to schedule workouts and nutritional meals along with homework and classes.
The Spoga program includes a series of 15-minute workouts that teach gentler forms of aerobics, relaxation techniques, and yoga-like moves, among other exercises. The goal is to use better physical fitness to improve mental alertness for learning.
The programs are sorely needed. Academic needs and the rigors of the FCAT testing regimen have cut down on physical education and recess time.
That’s not the reason for childhood obesity. But the lack of physical fitness instruction, combined with poor habits at home, from a diet heavy on sweets and fats plus inactivity, is a formula for overweight kids.

The Commit 2B Fit and Spoga4Kids programs are worthy endeavors. They should be expanded to more grade levels, but to do so the schools need help from the community. They need more corporate partners to step forward.
BOTTOM LINE: The fitness programs are needed. More businesses and community groups should offer support.

---

Children's Services Council of Broward County
Volume 3 Issue 1 - Spring 2006

THE CSC COMMITMENT 2 B FIT
Submitted by: Melinda Lee, BankAtlantic
Click Here For Acrobat file of Article

Last fall, students received a Commit 2B Fit planner and were encouraged to make a commitment to their wellness. Other components of Commit 2B Fit
include the Pied Piper musical exercise program, community activities, incentive programs include $5 Commit 2B Fit Bucks from BankAtlantic and Commit 2B Fit “medallions” awarded for specific accomplishments.

In January Spoga4Kids™ was added to the third-graders’ daily in-class fitness routine. These 15-minute Recess Solutions™ encourage
students to get fit by simply having fun and moving their bodies. In these sessions, children will experience playful fitness where they focus on breathing,
posture, balance, and stretching, via fun energetic moves.

This program was also designed to reduce stress and aid in mental clarity. A
possible outcome may be the increased ability to focus resulting in even better
grades.
For more information about these two programs visit
www.commit2bfit.com or
www.spoga4kids.com.