Coaching by Example and Leadership

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">Yes there are double standards in life. Perhaps you have heard the saying “Do as I say; <i>not</i> as I do!” Maybe you have even used those words yourself. In our winning culture the poor behavior of coaches has been <i>excused</i>as long as their sport program remained successful.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The irony of a successful program driven by poor coaching behavior is the eventual demise brought about by such a flaw. Indiana University head coach Bobby Knight was the prime example of that tragic flaw. Eventually it was a televised videotape of Knight grabbing a student-player by the neck during a 1997 practice that resulted in the coach's removal and began IUs NCAA Tournament nosedive in which the Hoosiers never advanced beyond the second round.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglff_9Fd9imM1FbvghW1BY9qpW23aYT4ENaOgtrwx5gbgyn4y7nBhoY8qX3Q5Mvu9g2pXa9Nf5yFZdXVEHKEjfH4wwI-C2Foagy8Tp3829DNSgrnAVpwSvyAVs2HAYpTarrgVZap21paPs/s1600/knight-3T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglff_9Fd9imM1FbvghW1BY9qpW23aYT4ENaOgtrwx5gbgyn4y7nBhoY8qX3Q5Mvu9g2pXa9Nf5yFZdXVEHKEjfH4wwI-C2Foagy8Tp3829DNSgrnAVpwSvyAVs2HAYpTarrgVZap21paPs/s320/knight-3T.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Coach’s temper results in 3 technical fouls and ejection</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Incidentally Bobby Knight played for an Ohio State Buckeyes basketball team while Woody Hayes was displaying a similar volatile style of coaching on the football field at that time. Fast forward from the Midwest to the east coast, and several decades later we are watching the head men's basketball coach at Rutgers University, Mike Rice, Jr. provide more yet more “teachable moments” for future coaches.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">ESPN televised Coach Rice’s behavior and the fallout continued as Tim Pernetti’s delayed reaction cost him the athletic director job at Rutgers. Rutgers President Robert Barchi named Julie Hermann as the replacement and RUs sport programs can get back on track, right? Not so fast say former University of Tennessee volleyball players who accused Coach Hermann of abusive behavior 16 years ago. In addition there is the issue of a discrimination lawsuit brought by a female assistant coach at Louisville who claimed senior athletics administrator Hermann fired her because she became pregnant.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Title IX still has a long way to go since only five out of 120 Division 1A athletics directors are women. Regardless of gender should a person associated with poor coaching behavior be considered for a higher position of leadership such as an athletic director? I think it was possible in the Midwest back in the abusive days of Bobby Knight and Woody Hayes.  Fast forward to the current climate that resulted from abusive bullying tragedies such as Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi and we start to see how ridiculous such a proposition becomes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Leadership has evolved. Coaches must follow suit. Call it “<i>Do as I do!”</i> It inspires, creates, is confident, committed, honest, intuitive, fun, wears a smile and carries a positive attitude. It treats others the way it expects to be treated. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Knight says in his own words "Winning. I think, what more can you want than having completed a task, played a game, where you have won? What better feeling can you have than having done something that has not just benefited you, but has benefited your team? I think there's a tremendous reward in simply being successful. <b><i>But the key is, how do you become successful?</i></b>"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Indeed.</span></div></div>

Coaching by Example and Leadership

Yes there are double standards in life. Perhaps you have heard the saying “Do as I say; not as I do!” Maybe you have even used those words ...

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How Do I Adjust Teaching Methods to a Spectrum of Learning Styles?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">All classrooms are comprised of mixed-ability students and require Differentiated Instruction. For Health and PE classes there is assuredly a greater range of skills and deficits because there is no separate advanced placement (AP) or adapted section. At any rate it is a mistake to assume such tracking of students (grouping students of similar ability) adequately addresses their dynamic range of skills and abilities in the context of lifelong learning. The use of student tracking is like trying to hit a moving target after practicing exclusively with a stationary one.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMyHGWGoHWgKp-k00ImyvOq8cBntAt2YGtNvECR-UsvIm-9kHok5IYVLnN811fOwA1E7CJlzMNVzaYJXLoBNbI0h8EjuFFShEw9rT42F__tZmlwUbE5oryuqyP26CCdgv00UFmkavcZqr/s1600/diverseWarhol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMyHGWGoHWgKp-k00ImyvOq8cBntAt2YGtNvECR-UsvIm-9kHok5IYVLnN811fOwA1E7CJlzMNVzaYJXLoBNbI0h8EjuFFShEw9rT42F__tZmlwUbE5oryuqyP26CCdgv00UFmkavcZqr/s320/diverseWarhol.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Who's Gonna Fill Those Shoes?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Differentiated instruction must first anticipate the different needs of the learners. Evidence of differing needs may be gleaned from assessments and interventions (extensions and refinements). Although a commonality for all students is that their physical development occurs in stages as directed by genetics and hormones, the reality is developments of skill vary in pace and in response to environment. An advanced student may suffer in development when they accept doing work that is “safe.” A struggling learner likewise must find positive ways to contribute to their own learning by testing their strengths and not by remediating flaws. Differentiated instruction responds to these differences through continuous reevaluation to maximize capacity of all learners. It strives for that “sweet spot” just a bit beyond a student’s comfort level but still within Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ongoing (formal) assessments guide differentiated instruction. Through continuous progress monitoring the educator may gradually complicate a task environment. For example a task could begin simply with isolated practice using large easy to see objects and modified striking implements over small distances then expand to larger distances, smaller objects, unmodified striking implements, introduction of opponents in small sided lead-in game practice, and finally regulation game play. The introductions of groups or teams should be consistent with the principle of inclusion. Students vary in the amount of collaboration they need and the sorts of peers with whom they work best. So any grouping of students should be flexible not static and supported by strong behavior management.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Differentiated instruction varies most importantly the nature of the tasks rather than the number. It is beneficial to try to include as many of the senses and/or Gardner's multiple intelligences (verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, kinesthetic, visual- spatial, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist) as possible. Designed tasks must be relevant and interesting to the student. Individuals may respond to varying degrees by visualizing, by listening and discussing or by doing and being physically involved in a task. A universal design for learning (UDL) takes into account the extent of these individual tendencies through multiple means of description and demonstration. UDL increases opportunities for participation by providing multiple means for student engagement.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Inclusive teaching styles create a climate and culture of participation for students regardless of skills and abilities. Some educators may not be comfortable with the “new PE” which shifts focus from an exclusionary competitive environment to more focus on cooperation, collaboration and critical thinking by the individual student. It would be pretty boring if PE and Health classes remained the same with all the improvements in technology and instructional strategies. Our differences make us interesting and exciting. Teachers should respect individual differences by creating inclusive environments in their classrooms that will also help students to become independent learners. Is that not the goal of education?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>

How Do I Adjust Teaching Methods to a Spectrum of Learning Styles?

All classrooms are comprised of mixed-ability students and require Differentiated Instruction. For Health and PE classes there is assuredly ...

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Special Packaging - Better for the Planet

<span style="font-size: large;">I want to tell you about a package I received the other day and show you pictures - but first I have to talk about the product I ordered and perhaps offer a little disclaimer.. AND there's a discount code for you if your interested.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">   I have probably mentioned Waldens Farms in the blog, and I most definitely have talked about it on my You Tube channel.  The products I use are 'calorie free' salad dressings, chocolate and pancake syrup, a peanut spread, apple jelly, and caramel, chocolate and marshmallow dips.  Note that the 'calorie free' tag can be misleading. If a product has less than 5 calories per the serving size listed (not the one you want it to be) then the company can advertise it as calorie free - but only water is <u>truly</u> calorie free.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   I like the Walden Farms products.  I don't use much of the dips and spreads because when I use more than a teaspoonful -ish I sense a little after taste.  The products are highly processed or filtered such that the main ingredient is water. Of course, all the flavorings they use are FDA approved, but you know how that goes.  The main thing I wanted to point out before I promote them is that they contain artificial sweeteners (splenda - sucralose).</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   Aspartame, saccharine and sucralose have been the subject of much study and debate - including what I have contributed in these pages. As far as we know, in the amounts that we consume them, they are not harmful. But I must admit that our ability to detect problems through scientific methods only gets better with time and it could be that the substances are not safe. In the past, the way they studied them was to give ridiculously huge amounts to animals that weighed between 5 and 15 pounds.  At extreme doses, the animals got sick or died. In doses more likely to be consumed by people, the animals did not have any problems.  Remember, many things are okay in small doses, like alcohol, but toxic otherwise.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   Certainly there is anecdotal evidence (stories) about people who used large amounts of aspartame or saccharin for many years and who seem to have gotten sick for no other reason then the sweeteners.  There are also people who have allergic reactions to sweeteners - people have allergic reactions to peanuts too, but peanuts are not bad for the rest of us.  I would expect, but this is far from scientific, that the air we breathe on bad ozone days is worse for us than these sweeteners.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   Still, my use of artificial sweeteners seems to contradict my stance on health - and by way of comparison, my view on mercury.  I won't eat canned tuna because it has too much mercury - but I drink diet soda.  I too am guilty of not wanting to hear things that will challenge my lifestyle.  So I have a bias or blind side when it comes to artificial sweeteners... not that there is any definitive research that says they are bad.. certainly they are not good  - but neither is sugar.  At least, I am honest in my bias, many researchers are not.  </span>(You have to make your own decision about whether to use sweeteners or sugar for that matter - just remember that the best evidence we have today or had yesterday might be contradicted tomorrow.  That means we are getting better at science not worse!)<br /><span style="font-size: large;">   SO  - YAY, I found a great place to order my beloved Walden Farms products - cheaper than the grocery store (where they are hard to find in some states).  I was able to get free shipping too, but the best part was how they were shipped.  See picture below.  No styrofoam peanuts or plastic - I was delighted.  And they also gave me a coupon code to share with my friends.. you are my friends, yes?  </span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHswbkhihyHhhsNEPDLDwZHGFYvZwv61jbqFU2i0lm2iqQGtdzeOshEFJvz9_mqJAl924tpVEMvsZhbRndvWNe3vfjNqZN8gwmcU-HhG0UyqEDRwcFLAactBtyIpL7c-1R5oIOxgtKkuL/s1600/shipping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHswbkhihyHhhsNEPDLDwZHGFYvZwv61jbqFU2i0lm2iqQGtdzeOshEFJvz9_mqJAl924tpVEMvsZhbRndvWNe3vfjNqZN8gwmcU-HhG0UyqEDRwcFLAactBtyIpL7c-1R5oIOxgtKkuL/s1600/shipping.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the packaging was recyclable!</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4gEyTOnP5ZlQ70ws1zQwbVrMBBFhUFT9c8EoRMfnpXGYRIraMT3zR3FABWFWFrshiVHE8uVqCGit5RJBQaYEBpcyriN5Ivr3Bh-VQL_KYcf8QGSwnAWzNH27xi7L7XaKUaz1Gk_8eEHG/s1600/Waldens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4gEyTOnP5ZlQ70ws1zQwbVrMBBFhUFT9c8EoRMfnpXGYRIraMT3zR3FABWFWFrshiVHE8uVqCGit5RJBQaYEBpcyriN5Ivr3Bh-VQL_KYcf8QGSwnAWzNH27xi7L7XaKUaz1Gk_8eEHG/s1600/Waldens.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My Walden Favorites!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The company from which I ordered the Walden Farms products is iHerb.com</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">To get $5 to $10 off an order, use this code: DNZ646</span>

Special Packaging - Better for the Planet

I want to tell you about a package I received the other day and show you pictures - but first I have to talk about the product I ordered and...

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What makes for a superb PE teacher?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">Many people have opinions about what makes a teacher great. So I imagine this topic will generate a few comments . . .</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Specifically I would like to address what attributes make a superb PE teacher?</div><div class="MsoNormal">(One hint: it is <i>not</i>a whistle!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIDSHLecxgtZ9ZcRViBbr-0wmUWerVGz_WFh-q11UK_fPjNTzUwK86hLl46lQE22grZ1dE2Urb_60TgjlJgkBflW9UkSicEJCjkPuv6CjgX6KDXj_eR9MdwHf2p6ZAuP4Dm-2L4znpv3-/s1600/PETEACH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIDSHLecxgtZ9ZcRViBbr-0wmUWerVGz_WFh-q11UK_fPjNTzUwK86hLl46lQE22grZ1dE2Urb_60TgjlJgkBflW9UkSicEJCjkPuv6CjgX6KDXj_eR9MdwHf2p6ZAuP4Dm-2L4znpv3-/s320/PETEACH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are many attributes of great teachers. I would like to narrow it down to what I believe are the three most essential attributes of a superb PE teacher. Since three points determine a plane. Let us call these three attributes the ones that define a “plane of enlightened teaching.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1. Knowledge of subject (and how it can be mastered)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2. </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Passion for subject</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3. Concern for others</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first attribute is the most obvious because one must be able to competently describe a physical activity in order to teach it. I would not say however that one needs to <i>be</i> a Miguel Cabrera to show someone how to bat, or <i>be</i>a Calvin Johnson, Jr to show how a catch a football, or even <i>be</i> a Jimmy Howard to show how to protect a net. I would not say any of those things as much as I would say one needs to <i>be</i> an Albert Einstein to explain physics to an AP class. The gift of the superb teacher is in the ability to appropriately describe and demonstrate how to do something given the skills and circumstances of the learner. It is the superb teacher that realizes not everyone learns the same way and can assist anyone in the manner by which a subject may be mastered. The superb teacher knows how best to convey the essential information to direct understanding with the appropriate progressions and refinements that place the learner in a zone of proximal development. Moreover this is accomplished in such a way that it convinces the student that the teacher not only knows the subject but possesses at least two other attributes of enlightened teaching as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal">A second attribute is a passion for the subject. There are so many inspirational stories in the world of sports such as Dick Hoyt, who pushes his son, Rick Hoyt in marathon and triathlon races. Fortunately I have been privileged to have competed in events with individuals who overcame life threatening disabilities and will never cease to be amazed by their courage. I look forward to the Special Olympics 2014 national games that will take place in New Jersey. The truth is when a teacher is enthusiastic about a subject then that belief will be not be lost upon most students. Enthusiasm is uplifting and contagious. Superb teachers model this type of behavior that will enable and engage more students to connect. These connections become widespread particularly if athletic and healthy well-being passions are shared with other areas of interest to students as is the case with integrated curricular activities.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The third attribute is a concern for others. A superb teacher sets high expectations for all students. They expect that all students can and will achieve in their classes, and they don't give up on underachievers. They have a strong relationship with them that models good behavior. A superb teacher “walks the talk” because they expect their students to be prepared since they are prepared and organized to deliver clear, written-out objectives and lesson plans. A superb teacher must have strong interpersonal skills to communicate and be able to help each and every student get the most out of the learning experience.  In addition a superb teacher acts to protect students as if they were their own children especially in times of danger. There are constant reminders of superb teachers in the news such as Becky Jo Evans from Plaza Towers elementary school in Moore, Oklahoma and Victoria Soto from Sandy Hook elementary in Newton, Connecticut to name a couple. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Teachers are foremost learners particularly in the art of teaching and therefore I welcome your comments.</div></div>

What makes for a superb PE teacher?

Many people have opinions about what makes a teacher great. So I imagine this topic will generate a few comments . . . Specifically I would ...

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Really - the Sunscreen Laws are Here

<span style="font-size: large;">On June 14th of 2011, I wrote <a href="http://yourhealtheducator.blogspot.com/search?q=spf" target="_blank">this post</a> and referred to another I had written in 2009 - both were about the changes in how sunscreen products in the United States could be labeled. Alas, the day has arrived (or will next month) - and most of what I told you in those past posts is now law.  There is one great exception - one great, unfortunate exception which speaks to the power of industry and the discretion of the FDA.  [this is of special concern to me because the same thing is happening with the law that mandates nutrition disclosures at restaurants... the law was passed years ago, and the FDA has the responsibility and the authority for the final rule but industry is pushing back hard... yet, so are scientists, so maybe this time the changes will be in our favor - she said in a major side bar]</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The unfortunate label change <i>no go</i> for sunscreen is the ban on claiming SPF - sun factor protection - greater than 50.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">First let me tell you what did survive from the original law:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">No company can advertise its sunscreen as waterproof (sweat proof, or call itself a sun block).</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I thought that all sunscreens would have to provide UV <b>A</b> (the kind most associated with cancer) and UV <b>B</b> (associated with burning) protection, but I just double checked the FDA website and now I am as confused as ever by their final rule (I am also losing faith in this government agency).</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, instead of everyone having to provide both forms of protection, only those that do can call themselves Broad Spectrum.  Bottom line:if the product says Broad Spectrum and is SPF 15 or higher - that is the one you want to buy.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Broad Spectrum sunscreen protects against both types of UV Rays.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Mass confusion continues over what SPF actually means.  I will do my best to explain it in a moment, but science tells us that for a product to offer adequate protection the values should be between 15 and 50, but 30 is likely sufficient.  There is no evidence to support that SPF over 50 makes a difference, makes a clinically important difference, but the industry of sunscreen makers is still fighting to use the higher numbers.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">As I understand it, the amount of time that a person can be in the sunlight, unprotected without beginning to burn is quite individualized.  It depends on the time of year, where you are physically located and your skin's pigment (fair or olive, e.g.).  It does not have anything to do with whether or not you have a 'base tan!'</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">SPF is related to the time it takes you to burn.  So whatever that time is, say I start to burn after 30 minutes because of my olive skin - if I use SPF 15, 15 x 30 = 450 or just over 7 hours.  I could be in the sun for over 7 hours wearing SPF 15 with reasonable assurance of not being burned (UVB protection) and as long as I have on Broad Spectrum SPF 15 - I should also be protected from the UVA rays during that time.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">If I chose a 30 SPF, then I could stay in the sun longer (30 x 30) without beginning to burn.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If I were a fairer skinned person, I might begin to burn in 15 minutes, and the math would be different.  SPF 15, 15 x 15 = 225 minutes so almost 4 hours;  SPF 30, 30 x 15 = as above.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Key to this protection is that the lotion be applied thoroughly and in a sufficient amount.  Any time one sweats, goes in the water and/or towels off, the lotion needs to be reapplied. Therefore, the labels advise that you reapply every two hours.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Sunscreens that are sprayed on may not be as effective.  The research is still pending (due to the body coverage issue) and there may be concern about breathing the fumes from the spray.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">It is also important to limit your time in the sun, regardless of protection - 7 hours in full sun would be dangerous.  The best protection comes form hats, glasses, clothes and shade. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Of course, some time in the sun is necessary for Vitamin D production  - YAY!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Once again I link you to the Skin Cancer Foundation for more information.  I am sending you to the page with a <a href="http://www.cancer.org/healthy/toolsandcalculators/quizzes/app/sun-safety-quiz" target="_blank">sun safety quiz!</a>  You better get a 100!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br />

Really - the Sunscreen Laws are Here

On June 14th of 2011, I wrote this post and referred to another I had written in 2009 - both were about the changes in how sunscreen produc...

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Educational Philosophy

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As a future health and physical education teacher it is important to develop an overarching purpose or a philosophy of teaching. My philosophy begins with how people learn about their health and physical skills mainly through what they live. With this view in mind it is essential as an educator to help facilitate this process of self-discovery in such a way that leads EVERYONE to becoming physically educated.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zIjf-O82Ybf_Bpv6na0cUS30DSxLBoYj8yD7l9uTg7PBs1Js1mxmR1FuCJr25oFaSsC09LPKVH5X9MDez4tH-aakXWBcUfFg7Q5-yNskuq8VRjKPQoagQn__iSfpz0bh4nSDSPehamzE/s1600/ppppp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zIjf-O82Ybf_Bpv6na0cUS30DSxLBoYj8yD7l9uTg7PBs1Js1mxmR1FuCJr25oFaSsC09LPKVH5X9MDez4tH-aakXWBcUfFg7Q5-yNskuq8VRjKPQoagQn__iSfpz0bh4nSDSPehamzE/s320/ppppp.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">artwork by Jennifer Antane</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As an educator it will be my mission to generate or find appropriate ideas, to explain and demonstrate, and to motivate students toward full participation and safe enjoyment of physical activities. It is important that students experience success in PE as their achievements will build their self esteem and encourage them to enjoy a lifetime of physical activity. The benefits of PE extend beyond the physical fitness realm into the intellectual and social-emotional realms. Health and PE are inseparable.<br /><br />A regular habit of moderate to vigorous physical activity combined with a healthy diet and positive attitude contribute to wellness. Participation in games and sports (however modified) in PE require a development of understanding in concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics. During these activities there is an expectation of responsible personal and social behavior in an inclusive environment.<br /><br />I have discovered and will gladly share my appreciation and enthusiasm for those who value physical activity  who amaze and inspire many with the challenges they overcame, the unique self-expressions they created and demonstrated benefit to the community.<br /><br />Yes our world is a beautiful dynamic environment and education must adapt to the ever changing needs of society such as the rising overweight and obesity rates that impact our health. It is my duty to provide students with accurate health information and assistance in determining health risk factors, how they can use nutrition and physical activity to improve their health. In these challenging times I will adapt, improvise and seek new plans in response to changing situations.</div>

Educational Philosophy

As a future health and physical education teacher it is important to develop an overarching purpose or a philosophy of teaching. My philosop...

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What's Good for the Goose

<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, not the goose, but the dog or cat.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">    I recently heard a pet food commercial, which inspired this blog post.  I did not catch the product name and wasn't able to find it by searching keywords on the Internet, but that matters less.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">    The gist of the advertisement is that many of the foods we give to our pets provide nutrients in the wrong proportions.  Specifically, I recall the spokesperson talking about protein and salt.  She suggests that pets need to have a balanced diet with the right proportions of nutrients.  This will ensure their health.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">    I am pretty certain that the majority of pet owners, certainly those that consider themselves pet<i> lovers</i>, will at the very least, check the labels of the product they currently buy - and most likely, they will consider switching brands.  They will do this for their pets.  Their pets will have no choice but to eat the 'healthier' food.  The pets will feel loved.  :)</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">   The great irony is that the majority of pet owners are themselves consuming too much protein and salt - as well as calories, sugar and probably fat.  This out of proportion consumption steadily rose over the past 30 years and has contributed to the substantial number of Americans (~70%) who are over weight.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">    We know that we are consuming too many calories, sugar, fat and too much salt - but it will take legislation - LAWS - to make us stop.  Isn't there some great irony in that?  Perhaps instead of fighting it, we should consider ourselves pets who need someone to feed us - for our own good, of course.  </span>

What's Good for the Goose

Okay, not the goose, but the dog or cat.     I recently heard a pet food commercial, which inspired this blog post.  I did not catch the pro...

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Is the veggie burger a better choice?

<span style="font-size: large;">The answer is "it depends on your goal."</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   If you are at a quick service restaurant, like Burger King, and you want to eat healthier, you might consider ordering a veggie burger.  Burger King is now offering a Morning Star Farms Veggie Burger as indicated in the coupon book I received in the mail today.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   I eat vegetarian burgers on a regular basis, so I knew that not all  burgers are the same. It was time to investigate.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   Using the Burger King full nutritional menu - which you can see <a href="http://www.bk.com/cms/en/us/cms_out/digital_assets/files/pages/MenuNutritionInformation_April2013_1.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>, I learned that the Veggie Burger is not always the best choice.  I specifically focused on calories, saturated fat, and sodium.  Out of curiosity, I checked the protein amount.  It is generally accepted that Americans do not lack protein, and that they get too much of the other three things.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Goal One: To go meatless.  100% achieved with the Veggie Burger.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Goal Two: To get lower saturated fat.  Most of the time.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Goal Three: To get the least sodium/salt.  About 1/2 the time.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Goal Four:  To get the least calories.  Not a guarantee!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I compared the Veggie Burger to the Whopper Jr, the Double Cheeseburger, and the Tender-grill Chicken Sandwich. (SFA stands for saturated fatty acids or saturated fat)</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">WhJR                   340 cals    5g    SFA     510mg sod    14g protein</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">DblCH                  370 cals    9g    SFA     720mg sod    22g protein</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Chick(no mayo)   400 cals    2g    SFA    <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">1260mg sod </span>  31g protein</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Veggie                  410 cals    2.5g SFA      960mg sod   21g protein</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">   In this case, the whopper jr looks the best for red meat eaters.  The chicken has the least grams of saturated fat but look at the sodium content!  Notice that I listed the chicken without mayo.  The calories go up significantly when you add mayo.  In fact, the nutrition menu lists a couple of sandwiches with and without the mayo and the differences are quite shocking. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The Whopper goes from 630 calories down to 470 if you hold the mayo, the Double Whopper goes from 830 down to 670 and even the Veggie Burger drops 90 calories down to 320 if you <b><u><i>hold the mayo.</i></u></b> </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I would STRONGLY consider how much that mayo matters.  You could eat a whole apple instead of that dollop of mayo!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Another thing, most of the salads on the menu have at least 500 calories and as many as 7 to 10 grams of saturated fat.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I learned all this from the online menu.  The National Menu Labeling Law will not require this level of detail inside the store.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Though the information I provided today comes from Burger King, the offerings at similar quick service restaurants might be equally as complex.</span><br /><br />

Is the veggie burger a better choice?

The answer is "it depends on your goal."    If you are at a quick service restaurant, like Burger King, and you want to eat health...

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Help Promote Bicycling Safety

<span style="font-size: large;">This year I wanted to tell you about the International Ride of Silence before it occurred.  As you may recall, this is an event that honors bicyclists who have been killed or injured due to a bicycle/motorist interaction.  This is my third year of attendance.  I go in order to support one of my professors who has had two significant crashes.  One of them was critical and involved a motorist who was texting on a cell phone at the time of the collision.  My professor, who is actually the chair of my dissertation committee, continues to use his bicycle for transportation and recreation.  He, as well as I,  firmly support and advocate bicycle helmet use and bicycling safety legislation.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Please click on <a href="http://www.rideofsilence.org/locations-domestic.php" target="_blank">this link</a> to locate the ride that is scheduled in your area.  May 15th 2013 7pm.  This is the ten year anniversary.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i2w2YIdhjh1JJOeNhBIijy78ND_oySEhDp91mYiizRX2ye44U6iendhMtHfN1-Y_yFAEfNJa8PiBSzmRwHqnpIuruAda1StPxCksA4Fn2n1rBwxGzNB10COexYT_oSMZ-9z0CyGPRrWq/s1600/10yr_anniversary-ROS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i2w2YIdhjh1JJOeNhBIijy78ND_oySEhDp91mYiizRX2ye44U6iendhMtHfN1-Y_yFAEfNJa8PiBSzmRwHqnpIuruAda1StPxCksA4Fn2n1rBwxGzNB10COexYT_oSMZ-9z0CyGPRrWq/s1600/10yr_anniversary-ROS.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>

Help Promote Bicycling Safety

This year I wanted to tell you about the International Ride of Silence before it occurred.  As you may recall, this is an event that honors ...

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Improving Obesity Prevention at the Local Level — Emerging Opportunities — NEJM

<a href="http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1301685#.UY7bjWrnoc8.blogger">Improving Obesity Prevention at the Local Level — Emerging Opportunities — NEJM</a><br /><br /><br />

Improving Obesity Prevention at the Local Level — Emerging Opportunities — NEJM

Improving Obesity Prevention at the Local Level — Emerging Opportunities — NEJM

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Children's Meals and Diet Quality

<span style="font-size: large;">   Most of my reading and therefore my writing, has to do with environmental factors that increase the risk of adults becoming overweight, but the same issues apply to children.  Children are especially vulnerable to advertising and branding, which shapes their preferences, but they are less vulnerable to the low price allure.  It is their parents who fall into that trap, sometimes out of  necessity. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   Menu labeling, providing nutrition information, is one way to address the issue of over consumption of calories and non-nutritive foods when eating away from home.  This is something I blog about often.  Recently, I read a report from researcher Ameena Batada, Dr.PH, that shed some light on the nutrition status of children's meals.  It was pretty bad - not the study!  the meal outlook.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   For her study, which she completed with the assistance of Margo Wooten, D.Sc and  CSPI,  the nutrition content of  children's meals  from 34 of the top 50 restaurant chains (who had children's menus and nutrition information for those meals) was evaluated.  The researchers considered the meals to be meant for children aged 4 to 8 years.</span><br />   <span style="font-size: large;">Of note, Dr. Batada shared the Expert Nutrition criteria that was used to evaluate the meals (to determine if they were a healthy option) as well as the criteria used by the National Restaurant Association.  The National Restaurant Association has a special Kids LiveWell program and I have to say, its impressive.  Both groups (expert panel and NRA) look at the amount of calories, fat, sugar and salt in the meals.  The Expert Nutrition standards disqualify a meal if it has more that 450 calories (the NRA, 600).  The Expert Nutrition standards disqualify the whole meal if it comes with a beverage that has been determined to be unhealthy.  This should be an eye opener for parents.  An unhealthy drink is defined as a soda, a sports drink, a fruit juice that is less than 50% juice OR has added sugar, anything with caffeine(except naturally occurring in choc. milk) AND milk that is 2% or higher in fat.  That is right, if the children's meal comes with whole milk it is NOT healthy.  The NRA criteria excludes any meal that comes with a fried item, including potato chips!  Both standards also have inclusion factors, i.e., the meal must have some things to even be considered (e.g., 1/2 c of fruit, 1/2 c veggies, whole grains).</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   With the criteria in hand, the researchers rated the meals at the top chains.  They listed the percent of the meals at each place that met the Expert and the Kids LiveWell standards.  Nine of the restaurants in the study met neither standard, including, Chipotle, Dairy Queen, Hardees, McDonalds and Panda Express.  Chiptole lost out because every child's meal comes with potato chips.  Some of the chains at the top of the list include Arby's, Burger King, Red Lobster, IHOP (what?!) and Subway.  However, the percent of the meals sold that met either criteria was NOT high.  E.g., 28% of Red Lobster children's meals met the expert standard and 42% met the NRA standard.  Red Lobster offers fruit and vegetable as the default option in their children's meals.  That means you don't have to ask for it!  Only one  restaurant had more than 42% of its meals quality and most scored lower.  The winner, Subway.  They only serve apples and low fat milk and do not provide any soft drinks with children's meals.  At Subway, 100% of the child's meals met both standards.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   The report can give you an idea of which restaurants will offer you a healthy option for your children, but you still have to make that choice and you can only do that if you have all the information at the time that you need it.  That is when you are standing at the counter or the server is at your table. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   Last fact.  The most commonly sold item, 83% of the restaurants sold fried chicken fingers.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Drs. Batada and Wooten for this great report.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">See it <a href="http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/cspi-kids-meals-2013.pdf" target="_blank">here.</a></span>

Children's Meals and Diet Quality

   Most of my reading and therefore my writing, has to do with environmental factors that increase the risk of adults becoming overweight, b...

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The Wrong Message

<span style="font-size: large;">Let me be brief, no really - I can be.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">   I have seen a commercial that begins by explaining how sitting for long periods of time can make one's buttocks and back ache.  It shows people rubbing their backs and highlights these areas with pulsing red colors, indicating pain.  The solution?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A specially made padded cushion to be used while sitting at one's desk or in a truck (long haul truck drivers).  The special pad is meant to make sitting for extended periods of time (i.e. hours) comfortable and thus possible.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">  The ad doesn't talk about the health consequences that research suggests befall us when we sit for more than 60 minutes at a time (regardless of how physically active we are the rest of the day).  There is no comfy cushion that prevents metabolic dysfunction caused from sitting too long.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">NO - we don't need THIS cushion.  Here is what we need.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A comfy seat, sure, but one that is fitted with a special one hour timer that gives you a shocking JOLT of electricity any time you sit on it for 61 consecutive minutes.  YES?!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Yes.  </span>

The Wrong Message

Let me be brief, no really - I can be.    I have seen a commercial that begins by explaining how sitting for long periods of time can make o...

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