Research indicates athletes may require more of certain nutrients than other healthy individuals. The article discusses vitamin requirements and deficiencies and how to supply the needed nutrients. Since coaches, trainers, and physical education teachers influence their athletes' behaviors, they must examine the issues associated with vitamin…

Discusses the importance of military recreation to mission accomplishment in the armed forces, noting the current financial problems faced by many such programs. The article discusses sports, entertainment, arts and crafts, libraries, and outdoor recreation, all of which contribute to readiness, deployment, recruitment, and retention. (SM)

Presents Flow Theory as a theoretical model to help those who work with children in physical activity environments better understand how to motivate children to become and remain physically active. Explains why children participate in and drop out of physical activities, what Flow Theory is, how to tap into flow experiences, and implications for…

It is important to individualize exercise programs to safely achieve exercise goals. The article reviews several key points to help exercise leaders individualize new exercise programs or rejuvenate routine workouts, focusing on cardiorespiratory and muscular training. The article emphasizes that individualizing exercise programs reduces injury,…

Presents a position statement designed to inform governments, non-governmental organizations, and education institutions about the significance and benefits of physical activity for all and establish a clear relationship between physical activity and leisure education. The statement includes specific recommendations for leisure education and…

Public awareness of health, fitness, and exercise has increased and the fitness industry has expanded in recent years. Yet, ironically, the health of our nation continues to deteriorate. Now more than ever there is the need for qualified fitness professionals to help individuals to improve or maintain health and fitness. Since fitness…

Many districts and schools have established wellness programs to encourage faculty and staff to seek ways to increase their fitness levels and to experience the benefits of physical activity. Some have created district wide fitness facilities while others give incentives for participation minutes in physical activity. This article describes a…

Studies show that childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Today, more than 23 million American children--or nearly one in every three--are overweight or obese. If childhood obesity is left unaddressed, a generation of individuals could face health, social, and economic challenges that promise to stress government…

The authors provide examples of sports-based youth development programs and offer information about program mission and vision, program design and content, evaluation results, and program sustainability. The four sports-based youth development programs presented are Harlem RBI, Tenacity, Snowsports Outreach Society, and Hoops & Leaders…

This guide is designed to encourage educators as well as parents and community members to view physical education as an integral component of the school's educational program. It can be used for curriculum building and as an example of what represents current best practices in physical education. Model learner outcomes cover eight areas of study:…

This 1996-97 end-of-year report presents data from the Colorado Department of Education on their Comprehensive Health Education Programs, which was a response to the Colorado Comprehensive Health Education Act of 1990. During the 1996-97 school year, 54 projects were funded in school districts across the state to promote health education, reduce…

This publication summarizes what is known about the influence of regular physical activity on the health and quality of life of older individuals, addressing both the acute effects of a single bout of physical activity and the more persistent, long-term effects of sustained participation in exercise and physical activity. Section 1 discusses the…

Reports a study that examined 316 studies of the effects of worksite health promotion programs on individuals and organizations, targeting research on exercise, health risk appraisal, nutrition, cholesterol, and weight control. Results suggest the effectiveness of such programs, though further research is needed for conclusive evidence of their…

This article discusses the relationship between exercise, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Data is presented from a study of 300 British children which indicated surprisingly low levels of physical activity, with significant differences occurring along age and gender lines. (IAH)

Research data on American youth physical fitness is inconclusive and insufficient to effectively compare past and present levels of activity (a component of fitness), although conclusive evidence does show more body fat. Intervention strategies for creating lifelong patterns of activity are discussed and positions of major medical associations are…