Kids: High-Impact Unfitness

Re “State Youths Flunk Fitness Exam,” Dec. 11: It’s distressing but not surprising that less than 30% of tested kids in our schools were deemed to be physically fit. Where would the kids get the message that fitness is important? Certainly not from their overweight, unfit parents, teachers and other erstwhile role models. The lame excuse offered by a principal that the school needs a boom box [for aerobics] is telling. Has he never heard of relay races, keep-away or kickball? An in-school fitness program is, or should be, one of the least expensive items on the curriculum. The necessary investment comes not in the form of funding, but in awareness and commitment, both of which are in short supply. As a result, the impact of unfitness on our economy in terms of health care costs and lost productivity and, in the case of our children, subpar academic performance will continue to rise.

Mike Plant

Escondido

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There is no doubt that America’s youths are out of shape. Studies like Eric Schlosser’s “Fast Food Nation” have explained how American culture has become more sedentary and reliant on the easy, quick meals available at low cost from fast-food chains. However, the physical education/health programs in schools have made little change. The curriculum glosses over the important details of health and nutrition needed for lifestyle changes. Knowledge of the food pyramid is not going to deter youth from gluing themselves to their computers and TV remotes.

The once-ubiquitous calisthenics at the beginning of gym class have been reduced to the stretching and bending required when students change into gym attire and tie their shoes. Class games of kickball or free-time play have become the norm. Why are we so surprised, then, that the majority of our students, regardless of ethnicity, fail the yearly fitness tests? Up to that point, have they ever run a mile, practiced pull-ups or done push-ups as part of class? No.

Trae Stewart

Los Angeles

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Some schools and agencies are painfully aware of the nutrition and physical fitness challenges faced by minority students. The good news is that action is being taken. LAUSD received a nutrition grant last year. In schools that won funding, nutrition is being taught for a minimum of 15 minutes each day in each class. Further, thanks to Proposition BB matching funds, my poor Watts school has been able to address the serious lack of exercise facilities.

Last year we dedicated an Anne & Kirk Douglas apparatus area on the kindergarten yard (Douglas Foundation funds of $25,000, plus BB matching funds of $25,000). We also won a California Integrated Waste Management Board grant for $25,000 (again matched by Proposition BB) to put exercise equipment/apparatus on the upper-grade playground.

Some problems will remain with us until we find solutions. Local BB funding has helped us to achieve success.

Virginia Arenas

Teacher, 92nd Street

Elementary, Los Angeles