The Problem – Obesity and poor health equates to
poor
academics in school
America’s youth are in dangerously poor health due to being overweight and obese. It affects their performance, attendance but most importantly their school grades. Poor health is a major contributor to lower test scores in school, increased absenteeism and challenges their futures. Presently over 15% of the nations youth are considered obese with an additional 15% deemed at risk of becoming overweight. The U.S. Surgeon General has declared obesity to be a national health epidemic.
The Solution – Address the Whole-Child
Clearly the evidence points to the fact that students who exhibit healthy bodies and minds do better in school and ultimately in life, in general. Academically, most schools use a single-dimensional approach towards their students. To solve this problem, educators need to address the “whole-child”. Dump the Junk® ‘Whole-Health’ Curriculum takes a holistic approach for academic fitness in that it trains the child up in three critical areas, nutrition, exercise and attitude. This three-dimensional approach to academic fitness is what makes Dump the Junk® ‘Whole-Health’ Curriculum so successful.
In 2005, Joseph Christiano ND implemented his Dump the Junk® Intervention Wellness Pilot program for Obese and At-Risk kids. This after-school program was targeted for Junior and Senior high school students at Amos Alfonso Stagg High School in Stockton, California. The results were astounding. Students who participated in the 10-week program saw tremendous results in raising their GPA scores, improving school attendance and classroom participation plus developing positive attitudes, self-esteem and body image. See: Evaluation - Stockton Unified School District Wellness Intervention Report.
The results of the pilot program, proves that our school kids have the opportunity to maximize their academics, win the battle against obesity and premature related illnesses for a future that is full of hope.
All Dump the Junk® curriculum and educational materials focus on the ‘whole-child’ concept.
Dump the Junk® Whole-Health Curriculum objectives are to:
- Provide user-friendly lessons for teachers in classrooms.
- Fun and exciting take-home assignments for parents and students.
- Engage family participation at home along with their child’s classroom involvement at school.
- Engage parents, students and teachers in a team effort, to support each child as they learn to develop healthy physical and mental lifestyles practices.
Lessons/Samples: (click on links below)
Nutrition – Fill Up - Sound nutrition helps students win the battle against obesity and illness.
Exercise – Power Up - Physical activities to build healthier bodies and minds.
Attitude – Think Up – Positive attitudes create empowering confidence.
Dump the Junk® Whole Health Curriculum is now available for grades K - 4.
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