![]() East TN Schools & DOH Battle Childhood Obesity“Science shows healthy students are more successful in school, and that forming healthy habits at a young age can help put these young people on the path toward a lifetime of wellness.”
By: GoTrybe.com “We’re excited that more Tennessee students will be introduced to GoTrybe as a fun new tool to help improve their health and fitness,” said Cooper. “Science shows healthy students are more successful in school, and that forming healthy habits at a young age can help put these young people on the path toward a lifetime of wellness.” TDOH and GoTrybe first brought the Web-based fitness program to high schools in 17 East Tennessee school districts in 2008. Schools such as Science Hill were among the top participants. Since that time, more than 9,000 students and faculty have used the system to engage in health and wellness activities. The program is now being expanded to middle and elementary schools throughout the region. The need for such programs is clear. More than 28 percent of Tennessee high school students identified themselves as slightly or very overweight, according to the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The survey also found that more than 45 percent of participating students were trying to lose weight. Children gain substantial health benefits from one hour or more of physical activity a day, according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans released last year by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. These science-based guidelines report that regular physical activity greatly improves health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. GoTrybe.com provides a modern, interactive and fun approach to meeting national standards and recommendations for physical activity through online fitness videos and related health content. With hundreds of videos ranging from hip hop dance to strength training, workouts are lead by certified professionals and are updated regularly to include the latest fitness and healthy living trends. Through online participation, students can also get daily wellness information including tips on healthy food choices and motivational messages. "All teachers across the state are being asked to get our students up and moving. GoTrybe provides an easy-to-use tool that the students can really relate to,” says Coordinated School Health Coordinator Laura Matney. “We want to support the state’s mandate to increase physical activity and give classroom teachers a tool that collects data and shows their support and efforts in the best light. Gotrybe is also a great tool for physical education teachers to use current exercise videos” Additionally, individual teacher and student subscriptions give users the opportunity to access GoTrybe accounts outside of school; providing families with a resource for fitness and fun. “The GoTrybe team is passionate about the overall well-being and future of today’s youth,” says GoTrybe Co-Founder Christopher J. Downs, MD, FACC. “We’re very excited to partner with pubic schools in our region and to provide quality healthy living activities and information for local students and families in a fresh and exciting way.” “Including physical activity in the classroom will have benefits beyond just health,” says Downs. “Past teachers using GoTrybe have reported that even small amounts of daily activity in the classroom have led to improved educational performances,” The GoTrybe program is being funded by a Center for Diabetes Prevention and Health Improvement grant through the 2009-2010 school year. In addition, GoTrybe looks to continue to make the program available for the 2010-2011 school year as well. This will improve the opportunity to establish a sustainable physical activity and health education program for all students and teachers. # # # GoTrybe (www.gotrybe.com) www.gotrybe.com www.kidsfitnessblog.com End
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