i4Learning Shows Schools the WAY to Fight Childhood Obesity With New Program Launch

In an effort to help combat the national epidemic of childhood obesity while meeting national and state education standards, i4Learning is launching Wellness, Academics and You (WAY), a progressive academic curriculum focusing on physical activity and nutrition. The program is being provided free of charge, initially to selected 4th and 5th grade classrooms in Florida, North Carolina, Kansas, and Delaware and subsequently will be expanded across the country.

TALLAHASSEE, FL (PRWEB) February 25, 2004--In an effort to help combat the national epidemic of childhood obesity while meeting national and state education standards, i4Learning is launching Wellness, Academics and You (WAY), a progressive academic curriculum focusing on physical activity and nutrition. The program is being provided free of charge, initially to selected 4th and 5th grade classrooms in Florida, North Carolina, Kansas, and Delaware and subsequently will be expanded across the country.

WAY is designed to provide a strong academic background for students while addressing the critical issues of overweight/obesity, nutrition, and overall wellness," says Dr. Sam Spiegel, Director of Research and Development at i4Learning, a leader in the development and implementation of comprehensive prevention programs and strategies (for youth). We are very excited to be launching the field test...we expect great results from this program -- we hope it will really make a difference."

WAY is a multidisciplinary (language arts, science, mathematics, health, physical education, and social studies), multimedia program that addresses health and wellness issues, emphasizing the areas of physical activity and nutrition.

According to program developers, the program meets state and national education standards, is designed after proven, successful models and based on sound theory. It is also supported by research conducted by the Institute for Americas Health (IAH).

The students really seem to have a better understanding of who they are," says Michelle Loreth, a fifth grade teacher at Lecanto Primary, Lecanto, Fla. Loreth is currently implementing WAY and says her students are really enjoying it. The students energy level has increased...and they really enjoy the video segments...We are currently working on [an activity that involves setting our goals. [They are motivated to meet the goals they set and the graphs are a great resource for F-Cat prep."

WAY consists of 23 activities with traditional academic lessons embedded throughout. As students perform the core activities and supplement the program using a variety of multimedia resources (DVD, CD, and the Internet), they benefit by gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, their bodies, minds, and systems -- all from a wellness" perspective.

The issues of childhood obesity and overweight are prominent on the national radar and experts across the board are referring to this problem as a 'national epidemic. Some are even saying that this could be the first generation that does not live longer than their parents. We are trying to make sure that that doesnt happen," explains Stuart Reese, Interim Director of IAH.

Several studies suggest a current need for academic programs that focus on nutrition and physical activity. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), over the last 20 years, the incidence of overweight and obese adults in America has risen to epidemic proportions. In 2000, an estimated 64 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 years and older were either overweight or obese. An estimated 15 percent of children and adolescents aged 6--19 years were also overweight.

And, the CDC says their research suggests the problem is only getting worse -- the most significant concern is that overweight children will grow up to be overweight or obese adults, which increases their risk for major health problems.

Several teachers who participated in the training workshop for the program expressed the same concerns in a blind survey. They say the WAY program is particularly important for the future of the U.S. workforce, noting that healthy children learn better and become healthy, academically prepared adults and therefore, ...a pool of more healthy candidates." They believe workers who are healthier would increase overall productivity for corporations and reduce health care costs.

This program will reduce health care costs because of a change in lifestyle. It is an ongoing need for our education system to get involved in setting standards for healthy living," wrote one teacher.

The program is initially being rolled-out into 36 classrooms, with over 800 students using the program. The launch is a field test that will record changes in student behaviors, like adjustments in attendance, referrals and academic performance, as a result of physical activity and also measure changes in Body Mass Index (BMI).

BMI is an assessment generally used by physicians and health experts to determine if a person is underweight, overweight or within a healthy weight range that takes height and weight into account to gauge total body fat. The results of the field test will be used to support the program and assist in the ongoing development and design of the program.

We are striving to provide the WAY program to schools throughout the country free of charge through funding from grants, donations and corporate sponsorships...This is all about the kids, their health and longevity," says Reese.

IAH is a non-profit organization striving to enhance the health of all Americans through research and education. Their mission is to inspire, motivate and educate youth through educational opportunities, personal encounters, educational resources, and professional development for teachers and parents. As such, they conduct research on learning and behaviors and support efforts to promote public awareness/education on critical health issues to youth by evaluating intervention programs that show promise and providing educational resources and opportunities to classrooms and communities in need. They also conduct outreach, mentorship, and guidance programs for high-risk youth. Youth are actively involved in the development, planning, and implementation of all their efforts and the best technologies are used to enhance their message and effectively reach young people. For more information visit www.healthy-america.org.

i4Learning has been developing and delivering interactive, innovative, integrated, and individualized educational programs that captivate and engage learners since 1998. With the mission of improving the lives and health of youth through education, all of their programs are multidisciplinary, multi-media, interesting, fun and intelligent; and created to enable teachers and parents to enhance their effectiveness in educating, while guiding youth towards a healthy lifestyle. In addition to school-based programs, they also develop community-based, after-school, and home-based programs. For more information, visit www.i4Learning.com.

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