A giant leap for physical activity in Colorado

Vicki Wattier teaches health and physical education at Gunnison High School in Gunnison, Colo.

As a health and physical education teacher for 20 years, I applaud Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and Colorado legislators for approving House Bill 1069. This important (and bipartisan) measure requires Colorado's public elementary schools to incorporate "physical activity" into every student's schedule. Approval of HB 1069 represents a win-win for Coloradans, young and old.

The passage of HB 1069 will help ensure the safety and wellness of Colorado's children. Adding physical activity to the school day has been shown to improve academic achievement by reducing behavioral problems, enhancing student engagement and increasing attendance.

It is critical that we encourage our schools to provide access to a variety of physical activities that will build kids' bodies so their brains can think, react, create and learn. Physical activity also builds self esteem. Evidence shows that healthy behaviors that promote positive lifetime habits are developed in elementary school.

My colleagues and I have taken a personal interest to provide students a diverse range of high interest classes that promote lifetime recreational activities, develop positive attitudes and achieve a beneficial effect on their personal fitness.

Here in Gunnison Watershed School District, the benefits of physical activity at a young age are obvious. Our programs include the "Taylor Challenge," a popular outdoor education experience offered to eighth graders. We also offer variety of elective PE classes which help kids reach their full potential — whether in the gym, on the field, in the weight room or outdoors in their own backyard.

The emphasis on physical activity, through participation in the Healthy School Champion Scorecard program, has earned Gunnison High School recognition as one of the 10 healthiest schools in the State of Colorado.

Not only will the passage of HB 1069 help grow healthier, happier kids throughout the state of Colorado, it will encourage better academic performance which, in turn, will benefit businesses with a stronger, healthier and more productive workforce. That, in turn, will help keep health insurance premiums low.

Once again, much credit is due to the Colorado General Assembly for having the courage to approve HB 1069 and for recognizing that good health is one of the state's most precious possessions.

Now that HB 1069 has been approved to law, what are some other ways policymakers can ensure a healthier future for Colorado's kids? Post your thoughts in the comment box below. Please note that comments will be open for two weeks from the initial post date. Follow the Foundation's work on Facebook and Twitter.

Comments

[Eric]

Gunnison Watershed Schools also provides an active engagement with our valley's recreation instructional organizations such as 2nd grade swimming with Western State College, 3rd grade nordic skiing with the Crested Butte Nordic Center, and 4th-8th/9th-12th downhill skiing and snowboarding with Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Thanks for investing in elementary physical health!

[vw]

Community partnerships in the Gunnison Valley have provided the local children with a variety of opportunities; many are life-time skills involving physical activity.

[Liza Marron]

Only elementary schools?