By Valerie Battaglia, Physical Education, Volleyball, Student Council Adviser Over the years there have been many studies performed and a countless number of articles written describing the importance of a having an active lifestyle and physical education being an essential part of healthy living for people of all age groups, especially school age children. This is because school and life are full of stress and anxiety at every stage. Behavior and education states that researchers have proved time and again the importance of physical activities for students. That is why D’Evelyn’s Founding Document requires students to take part in physical education. Scientifically these activities have been proven to be as important as doing schoolwork. Physical education teaches students to improve the quality of their life both physically and mentally. Focusing only on schoolwork can make their life boring and stagnant, which in turn can cause depression and failure. Physical activities and exercises boost stamina, which can make students strive for intelligence and knowledge in many, if not all subject areas. Physical Education enhances an individual’s ability to concentrate and maintain focus throughout the day. Several studies show that performing physical activities help in enlarging the basal ganglia of the brain. The Basal Ganglia is a part of the brain which is responsible to maintain an individual’s capability to focus. In this current era students have several diversions in the form of technologies (Television, tablets, PCs, Mobile phones), therefore, it is difficult for them to maintain focus. By participating in physical education, we can help them improve their concentration. Physical Education is also important for healthy growth and development. In today’s world, many school children eat unhealthy foods. These may include the fries, soft drinks, pizzas and burgers. Consuming these on a regular basis can lead to childhood obesity. Physical education at school helps in preventing obesity and high blood pressure. Physical exercise and activities will help them burn off their extra calories. If these calories are not burned off, they will be stored as fat. By doing physical exercises individuals use their extra calories to gain energy. The physical activities that are a part of the D’Evelyn P.E. curriculum play an important role in the healthy growth and development of bones and cartilages. Bone strengthening exercises such as jumping rope are particularly important for school children as such activities that produce a force onto the bone that helps enhance its strength and growth. While muscle strengthening exercises make muscles larger and stronger, they also help children carry more weight and aid in protecting joints against injuries. Being physically active makes the students energetic and strong which studies have shown, motivates them to take interest in classroom activities. A physically active student will also have a healthy heart. Any exercise which provides oxygen to the muscles is called an aerobic exercise. These exercises are essential for a healthy heart. Research shows that kids who perform aerobic exercises, two to three times a week for at least twenty minutes, have a healthier heart as compared to those who don’t take part in physical education. D’Evelyn Physical Education incorporates aerobic activities daily into every class. Physical Education Classes help prevent sleep deprivation. A complete night’s sleep is an essential component of a happy and healthy life. That is very hard to come by for not only D’Evelyn students, but for many people across America. Those students who take part in physical activities and exercise regularly have a tired and exhausted body which craves a good night’s sleep. D’Evelyn P.E. curriculum has our students active for at least 40 minutes each school day. Stress and anxiety are a part of many Jr. and Sr. high students. School life is hectic for every individual, especially students engaged in a rigorous curriculum. Taking part in physical education allows students to relieve their academic stress and anxiety. Stress might be due to a fight with a friend or a low-grade despite of hard work. Stressed students are not able to concentrate and focus on their academic performance if they are not allowed time to de-stress. Physical activities give D’Evelyn students an environment to breathe out their stress. By exercising and breathing deeply, we provide extra air to our lungs which in turn provides more oxygen to the brain, this makes the brain feel relaxed and stress free. A physically active individual is more likely to be happy and healthy, which makes them a better student in the classroom. Scientific research reveals the fact that physical education in school helps in improving the connections between neurons of the brain. Healthy and well-connected neurons help improve the over-all thinking ability of students. Thus, making them better students in classroom. D’Evelyn has made physical education an essential component of school curriculum and students are promoted to maintain a healthy balance between their education and exercise. This is due to the fact that those students who take part in physical activities have proved to be happier and healthier than those students who spend all their time doing schoolwork. Such activities help develop the blood circulation in an individual’s body. This helps in providing more oxygen to the heart and brain and allows the body to maintain a balance between physical and mental health. Look at the brain functioning after just 20 minutes of walking (above). Getting kids to move helps strengthen and stimulate their brains. This is why so many recent research studies are showing increased fitness = improved academics. Note: The blue color represents inactivity in the brain (Source: University of Urbana) The chart below shows how active kids are better students. John Ratey, an Associate Professor Psychiatry at Harvard University has stated, "Exercise is like Miracle-Gro for the brain." So, when anyone says we can't afford to have PE in our schools because it takes up too much time, please let them know of all the research which conclusively shows how exercise builds brain cells and improves academics. And, just by elevating your heart rate you can lift your mood, beat stress, sharpen your intellect, and function better.
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