Why is Physical Education Mandatory?

In the last several years, our culture has changed dramatically. Due to the rise in obesity, young children have become a growing concern in America. Childhood obesity is a well-documented public health crisis. Even many children who are not overweight have inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, excessive television and other screen time, or some combination thereof. Physical fitness is important to our health. It helps students to be in control of their weights, moods, and practices that will lead to healthy lifestyles. Further, it combats health conditions and diseases. Some schools do not require students to participate in physical education classes, but it is important for young children to stay physically active. Due to the rise in obesity, young children have become a growing concern in America. Childhood obesity is a well-documented public health crisis. Even many children who are not overweight have inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, excessive television and other screen time, or some combination thereof.Our nation was once a physically active nation, yet now it seems that physical activity has been discouraged and has taken a back seat to video games, and other social media platforms. Physical Education is one of those courses of study in high school that is required by most school districts. It is the educational process through physical action, physical activity, or recreation to accomplish an educational aim. It can help relieve the stress from home or school work. It can also help students to develop good eating and work habits. James Anderson states in his article,Each child comes to school with a dream, do we help them to realize it or destroy it (n.pag.). Physical Education is accomplished with well-organized curriculum by the instructor. It requires not only the physical process but also the technology to assist the student to do research and complete the physical task. Gym class historically has been depicted as a period of awkwardness where students get to escape structured classroom settings. Edward stanely states in his article, Those who think they have no time for exercise will eventually have to make time for ILLNESS (n.pag.) It is not surprising that students and parents alike have questioned the purpose of it. They also could have used the time as a period not to think. On the other hand, gym classes today are very different. Technology has enhanced the instructional aspects of physical education. Students have access to various applications downloaded to their cellular phones or chromebooks to assist them in the physical activities to be performed. Consequently, students are more apt to complete physical assignments and stay on task. Hackensmith states in her article, Students are more physically active on days on which they have physical education. (n. pag.). Let's Move! was a public health campaign in the United States, led by Michelle Obama, wife of then-President Barack Obama. The campaign aimed to reduce childhood obesity and encourage a healthy lifestyle in children. Another aim was to direct students to move with exercise, dance, and sports in hopes to put an end to childhood obesity and indeed all obesity. Staying physically fit will have a positive effect on the individualr's all around well-being. In the journal article, Physical Educationr's Role in Public Health, Sallis and Mckenzie writes , comprehensive but physically active approach that involves teaching social, cognitive, and physical skills, and achieving other goals through movement (p. 126). Students need to learn from an early age how important exercise is in their daily lives, and by maintaining a Physical Education class, teachers can help students to develop a love of exercise and engage it as a lifelong habit. Children become overweight and obese for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. One third of children in the U. S. is overweight or obese, and this number is continuing to rise. Children have fewer weight-related health and medical problems than adults. Thomas Jefferson states in his article that ,Exercise and recreation are as necessary as reading (n.pag.) I will rather say more necessary, because health is worth more than learning. However, overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults, placing them at risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes later in life. They are also more prone to develop stress, sadness, and low self-esteem. With Physical Education, students learn how their bodies work and how to maintain a certain weight; without it, no one would take the time to investigate what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle. Physical education can also have an positive effect on a person mentality. Studies show that physical exercise releases beneficial chemicals in your body called endorphins. This means the body is repairing itself while burning off toxins that cause stress. In addition to being a stress reliever, scientists say that exercise increases blood flow, which stimulates the brain. This means that even if a student has to go to class with a sweating from a workout , itr's still worth it because the student will be more alert and ready to learn since his blood is flowing vigorously though his brain and vital organs.Physical education contributes so much to a childr's growth into a healthy, intelligent, and confident adult. It's not just for the individual growth but for the entire society. In the end, physical education helps to balance out a personr's busy schedule and allows a person to get out of the classroom and play.

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