Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Weekly High School Sports Report - Expanded

Michael Hoffer, Sports Editor for the Forecaster, will report on high school sports, focusing on the "minor sports." We won't just be reporting scores and game results, but we'll focus on the kids who train hard and participate in those sports that receive less adult and media involvement. That said, Michael will keep us informed of all post season playoffs and tournament results, as well as behind-the-scenes and human interest happenings.

The Main(e) Event

House Bill LD 1442 (HP 1011) "An Act To Increase Quality Physical Education for Elementary School Students," sponsored by Representative Lisa Miller, would require at least 150 minutes of physical education per week for all children K-5, and at least 225 minutes per week for grades 6-8 beginning in 2110. Representative Lisa Miller, from Somerville, will be in studio to explain the intent of the bill, its current status, and the likelihood for its passage this session.  We will also hear from Victoria Kuhn, Director of Healthy Communities at Anthem who spoke in favor of the bill. 

Daily PE is no longer required for K-12 students anywhere in the U.S. Over the past few years, one state after another dropped the requirement, leaving it up to school districts and local schools to fund it. Most students receive only one period per week of PE, and that isn't necessarily physical activity, while the CDC, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Heart Association and others, recommend a minimum of 40-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each and every day!

So where's the rub? Well, states don't have the money to fund it because it isn't perceived to be priority. On top of that, No Child Left Behind has placed undue pressure on schools to get test scores up and the curriculum has been pruned down to the basics. Schools are looking to add more "seat time," to raise scores while health experts are calling for more activity to combat and prevent obesity.

If you don't think this is serious, consider these facts: 130 million (64%) Americans are overweight or obese. Over 9 million children ages 5-17 are overweight or obese. Health care costs exceed $100 billion annually to treat weight related illnesses most of which are preventable! Obesity related illnesses kill approximately 400,000 Americans every year! It has been said that this generation will be the first to not live longer than their parents.

The situation in legislatures across the country, as well as in the United States Congress, is tantamount to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic as the band plays on. What could be more "basic" and more important to quality of life than healthy lifestyle behaviors and becoming physically active for life. What could be more "basic" to our survival  than healthy citizens?

Happily, there are those dedicated teachers like our own Rob Card from Westbrook High School who are developing innovative fitness programs that meet the needs of all students, including those who are overweight. Rob will also be accompanied by students who are involved in an innovative fitness program for children with disabilities. We'll also talk about his program for kids who are overweight. Frequent guest, Kerry Kertes from Cape Elizabeth High School will join in as we explore the importance of keeping all kids physically active from pre-school through graduation.

Podcast Update

I'm experimenting with Podcasting the weekly show. Since I'm self-taught, the learning curve is steep at this point. Nevertheless, there are three "sample clips" of the show that can be listened to and downloaded at:

 http://www.thecenterforkidsfirst.org/Podcasts.htm

I would appreciate any and all feedback, especially with regards to which player your browser used, i.e. Windows Media Player, Quick Time, etc. Were you able to download and save the file? How long did it take to download/play? What was the quality of the sound?

Once I figure out the best way to do this, anyone, anywhere will be able to listen to the show whenever it is convenient.

The Coaching Tip Of The Week

Remember: 1) These are just kids. Don't treat them like adults.  2) Make no mistake! It's about them having fun. Not you! It's not your game, so be sure you don't take it away from them. 3) First and foremost, you are a teacher and a role model. The most important lessons you teach will have nothing to do with the game you are coaching.

This week's Tip: Visit the website, use the "Coaching Tips" link or just click on the link below to see my Tips for Coaches. These tips come from my 48 hour Coaching Development Workshop and have nothing to do with X's and O's or game winning strategies. These tips are all about your professional and personal development as a teacher of kids who happen to be organized for playing a sport.

http://www.thecenterforkidsfirst.org/CoachTipsArchives.htm

The Parent Trap

Check out my blog on Mainetoday.com for some interesting articles, and comments from readers.

 http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/blogs/kidsfirst/008162.html Your comments are appreciated and wanted.

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.

or email me during the show at:

Regis@thecenterforkidsfirst.org