Our kids are not as active as they should be. U.S. health studies report that fewer than one in four children get 20 minutes of vigorous activity every day of the week. Less than one in four reported getting at least half an hour of any type of physical activity every single day. Poor diet and lack of exercise is now second only to cigarette smoking as the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
In addition, an extensive study recently found a direct connection between students’ fitness and academic performance. Achievement scores were found to increase with increased levels of physical fitness.
These studies show compelling evidence that both mental and physical health improve through increased physical activity. We want a healthy future for our community, and that means we must assist our youth in developing habits of regular physical activity. This is accomplished by making physical activity fun and enjoyable for all ages and abilities.
Healthy Futures
How to have a Healthy Future!
The purpose of the Healthy Futures initiative is to assist community groups that share the mission of encouraging kids to get physically active, by creating an umbrella support group. All monies collected to support Healthy Futures are used for promoting the benefits of physical activity and increasing the involvement of the youth of Alaska in physical fitness programs.
Healthy Futures is an umbrella program that supports current running events and provides additional marketing and public relations support to these events and incentives for kids to increase youth participation in each of these on-going events.
This year, teachers, coaches, and volunteers have a choice of several different logs. The new fitness logs are more comprehensive and include: veggies and fruits eaten, water consumption, and hours of sleep. Please read the "Guidelines for how to use the Activity/Fitness Log".
There are several activity logs, choose the best for your needs.
If you're interested in receiving email updates about upcoming Healthy Futures events and activities, visit the link below and sign up by entering your name and email address. Your email address will not be shared, and will only be used to contact you regarding Healthy Futures activities.
• Keep YOUR very own Activity Log and update it daily
• Make sure you show it to your mom and dad
• Each month submit your log to your Physical Education teacher
• Receive a Healthy Futures Nalgene water bottle when you complete and turn in your first Activity Log
Each staff member adds momentum to the healthy futures movement and strengthens the safety net for our youth. Together, we can create healthier lifestyles by committing to a physically active life. Below are some more resources.
Below, you will find some parent resources, providing you with more information and motivation tools to assist your family in becoming more physically active. The more you exercise and play together, you create a healthier future for yourself and the ones you love.
Below, is a link to the Healthy Futures web page in which you can request additional information by completing a form with your name and mailing address.
Or, you can contact:
Rebecca Reichlin
Healthy Futures Coordinator
907-783-2374
907-441-8125 cell
reichlin@acsalaska.net
