Abstract In this article, the writer explores the history of physical education, within the school systems as well as the views about the profession. The writer examines why children need physical education and debates the current duties of a physical education teacher compared to past duties. The writer presents a defense of the physical education teaching profession using solid research and current trends. The writer concludes that while there has been a perceptual issue in the past about the professionalism of a physical education teacher, that perception has changed in recent years. The writer maintains that today, physical education teachers are dedicated to not only teaching sports to their students, but also to the instilling a lifelong understanding of the importance of physical fitness and health.
Outline:
Introduction
What Has Changed
The PE Teacher Today
A Nation Divided
Why
Proof- It is a Work Profession
Obstacles
Conclusion
From the Paper "For many years physical education teachers were considered the "easy" teachers. They dragged out a dodge ball and watched the students play until the bell rang. More recently however the medical field has convinced society of the importance of physical exercise and maintaining physical fitness. When this happened the physical education teacher became much more important in the total picture of education. Today, physical education is a vital part of education. The physical education teacher provides a life long foundation for fitness and health that will allow the student to maintain the ability to pursue the career and personal interests that the other subjects train them for. Physical education teaching used to be considered a profession of leisure but today it is highly respected as its rightful profession of work."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the various effects of obesity on the lives of children. The writer notes that although research is limited linking overweight children and poor academic performance, there is at least one study linking overweight children and absenteeism. However, the writer points out that there is substantial research linking obese children and adolescents with low-self esteem, depression and anxiety disorders. Research also indicates that overweight/obese youths are more likely to be victims of teasing and verbal abuse by peers, and to be excluded from play and other social activities, leading many of them to choose younger playmates who are less likely to be judgmental. The writer concludes by showing that research has found that overweight/obese youths are at higher risks for diabetes, fatty liver, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
From the Paper "One study showed that decreasing self-esteem in obese children resulted in significantly elevated levels of loneliness, sadness, and nervousness, while other studies suggest that overweight youths are unhappy with their weight and tend to experience more depressive symptoms than normal weight children.
Although verbal victimization in overweight and obese children was limited to name-calling and teasing, it did not include any reference to race, color or religion, thus is it assumed that the name-calling referenced their physical appearance. However, verbal bully-perpetrating in overweight and obese children did reference others' race, color or religion, thus it seems that obese and overweight bully-perpetrators did not want to draw attention to themselves by focusing on weight issues and instead made comments related to ethnic identity. Past studies indicate that negative stereotypes associated with overweight and obesity in childhood decline with increasing age. Overweight during adolescence was found to effect high-school performance and college acceptance. Moreover, overweight and obese children and adolescents are less likely to marry as adults, and are more likely to have lower household income than non-obese adolescents."
Abstract This paper takes a look at vegetarianism. According to the paper, vegetarianism excludes meat, meaning beef, poultry, fish and their by-products, and usually dairy products and eggs. The paper reviews the pros and cons of a vegetarian diet.
From the Paper " Moreover, a vegetarian diet may not be sufficient for children (Farley 2001). Dr. Gretchen Hill of the University of Missouri food science and human nutrition commented that it would be unhealthy for children to exclude red meat in their diet. She believed that these children would develop health problems by the time they are 40, 50 or 60 years old because of imbalanced micronutrients, particularly iron, zinc and copper. Meat is an important source of these three nutrients, which help build body immunity and red blood cells and strengthen blood vessels. She said that children cannot meet their zinc needs without eating meat."
Abstract This paper examines the positive effects of strength training for endurance athletes. It suggests that an endurance athlete who is optimally strength-trained has a distinct competitive advantage compared to the athlete who trains only for endurance. The paper details many of the physiological changes that can be expected with endurance training and with strength training.
From the Paper "There are several adaptations associated with an athlete performing endurance training exclusively. Aerobic endurance training produces increases in VO2 max, but has no hypertrophy effect on muscles (Holloszy et al, 1984) (Hickson et al, 1988). In fact, in prolonged endurance training, muscle fiber size has actually been shown to decrease (Terados et al, 1986), presumably to allow more efficient transfer of O2 to working muscles though this hasn't been proven (Yessis, 2000). If an athlete is attempting to increase their ground forces while running, then obviously muscular atrophy would be detrimental to this goal, unless the strength of the smaller diameter muscles was greater than that of the relatively more hypertrophied muscle group. Therefore, the concept of an endurance athlete performing endurance training exclusively would be disadvantageous to running faster times, as the limitations inherent in a given athlete's ability to increase stride frequency, stride rate and ground force creation would be limited once a certain level of proficiency is reached. That level is different for every athlete, but the point is that once running mechanics are sufficiently advanced that the athlete has maximized his/her performance, further improvements are limited by the inability to further increase the associated factors that contribute to that performance."
Abstract This paper takes a look at our health-conscious society, which indulges in the use of sugar-free foods and beverages that have steadily dominated the market. The paper discusses how recent controversies that question product credibility have circulated, thus prompting various analyses on food content. By using the principles behind the Benedict's test, this study employs techniques used to test the presence of chemical compounds in food, particularly in sugar-free samples.
From the Paper "While the Benedict's reagent can analyze the sugar content of most food products, the conducted experiment focused on sugar-free samples alone. Presenting novel results, this smaller scope diverts from previous experiments involving pure sugar concentrates."
"For the experiment, distilled water, small samples of selected sugar-free food, and a small bottle of Benedict's solution were prepared. Along with test tubes equivalent in number to the samples tested, the experiment required laboratory equipments inclusive of a Bunsen burner, a tripod, a dropper, and a beaker."
Abstract The paper relates that although all Americans effect the huge growth of fast food, adolescents play more of a vital role than the average consumer. The paper discusses how teenagers consume fast food, work in fast food restaurants and steal from them too.
From the Paper "Our country loves fast food; there is speedy service with cheap tasty food in over one million restaurants world wide. Though we all love it, we do not like the stories behind it. In 2004, Americans spent over 110 billion dollars on fast food, that's more than higher education, computers, computer software and new cars combined (Scholosser, 3). Teenagers provide a huge role in the fast food industry. Teenagers work at these restaurants, eat at these restaurants, are objects of advertisements by these restaurants and steal from these restaurants more than any other age group. Ever since the age of three more than 75 percent of American children can recognize the face of Ronald McDonald. Since our nation is currently being raised around fast food it is only inevitable that as children grow, they only become more of a part of it everyday."
Abstract This paper explains that, if the trend continues at the current rate, nearly 34% of the U.S. children will be obese, which indicates that childhood obesity has become a nationwide epidemic. The author points out that the arrival of advanced electronic technology in the last thirty years, such as television, video games and the Internet, is now devouring time once spent doing physical activities, such as playing tag or basketball. The paper urges the federal government to take the leadership role by make the prevention of childhood obesity a top priority on the national health agenda, such as the past public safety movements. The author suggests that all levels of government coordinate programs that include nutritional education focusing on proper eating habits and physical activity training.
From the Paper "Many schools in America no longer offer physical education as part of their curriculum. A 2000 survey found that only 8 percent of elementary schools, 6.4 percent of middle schools, and 5.8 percent of high schools require daily physical education.. Schools should begin requiring daily physical activities. The Surgeon General recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children. By following recommended guidelines on physical activity, schools will be supporting the prevention of childhood obesity. The efforts of schools are just as important as the individual efforts at home."
Abstract The paper reveals that obesity is the fastest growing cause of illness and death in the United States. The paper discusses the importance of physical activities and of a healthy diet that reduces consumption of fast food and soft drinks. The paper discusses the promotion of exercise in schools and the ban of school ground soft drinks that could protect the children of America from diseases related to obesity.
From the Paper "It is now estimated that nearly two out of three Americans are overweight or obese. Statistics also show that the number of overweight teenagers has tripled in the past two decades (Greenblatt Online). Should we be worried? "Worrying" at this point is an understatement. Being overweight is now the most common medical condition of childhood ("Soft Drinks" Online). According to Surgeon General Richard Carmona, obesity is the "fastest growing cause of illness and death in the United States" (Qtd. in Greenblatt Online). Obesity is associated with more than 300,000 deaths each year because of all the health complication it induces. Over 30 different diseases can be developed because of it, ranging from strokes or/and heart-related diseases to arthritis and breathing problems. Obesity is defined as having a BMI (Body Mass Index) over 30.0 or more, and in 2001 the state of Mississippi reported that more than 25.9% of its population was obese. That is more than one out of four people."
Tags: soft, drinks, fast, food, exercise, diet, nutrition, health
Abstract The paper explores the world-wide debate about genetically modified (GM) crops and explains the advantages and disadvantages of these products. The paper looks at the regulation of genetically modified foods in the United States and Europe and how GM food growth is drawing a political backlash. The paper discusses the powerful opposition of Greenpeace to genetic engineering. The paper concludes that as long as environmental organizations generate fear and doubt among politicians, retailers and the public, it will be almost impossible for the technology to break through, despite its benefits.
Outline:
Introduction
The Science of Genetic Engineering
Genetically Modified Foods and Hunger
Genetically Modified Foods and Biodiversity
Research for the Common Good
Growth of Genetic Engineering
Greenpeace
Conclusion
From the Paper "The world wide debate about genetically modified crops has been a heated one, pitting biological progress against environmental conservation. The genetically modified foods issue involves complex factors including politics, international trade, and social and cultural norms. Advocates of GM foods say that the increased yields and decreased price of using genetically modified seeds can help to alleviate world hunger. However, progress is being hampered by over cautious environmentalists and consumers, mostly in Europe and Japan. These wealthy areas of the world can afford to take precautions that the starving people of the world cannot, but the preference of consumers in wealthy countries of whole, natural, organic foods is influencing impoverished countries."
Abstract This paper is a research study focusing on the short-term memory skills of 4th and 5th grade special education students who eat breakfast regularly, as compared to those who eat no breakfast or only occasionally eat breakfast before attending school in the morning. The author provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects relating to the study and states that the findings of this research could promote the implementation of school breakfast programs in elementary schools, or encourage schools to continue the program they may have already established. The author has also included seven appendices relevant to the work.
Outline:
Title Page
Table of Contents
Abstract
Chapter 1
Introduction
Background of Study
Statement of the problem
Purpose
Significance of Study
Research Question
Assumptions
Delimitations
Definitions
Summary
Chapter 2
Review of Literature
Introduction
Effects Of Missing Breakfast
Breakfast Before School
Summary
Chapter 3
Methodology
Action Research Plan
Site Setting
Participation
Data Gathering Methods and Procedures
Measurement Methods
Procedure
Ethical Considerations
Data Analysis
Summary
Chapter 4
Data Analysis and Discussion
Findings
Discussion
Limitations
Chapter 5
Summary and Conclusions
Conclusions
Implications for Teaching Practices
Implications for Further ResearchReferences
Appendices
Appendix A Student Breakfast Log
Appendix B Principal School Site Consent Form
Appendix C Notice to Fifth Grade Teachers
Appendix D Parental Consent Form
Appendix E Questionnaire for Students
Appendix F Time Line
Appendix G Tables
From the Paper "A small sample of 4th and 5th grade Special Education students at three area public schools will participate in a mixed qualitative-quantitative study to see if there is a direct relationship between regularly eating breakfast before school and short-term memory performance. Students will complete surveys regarding their ability to attention and focus after eating breakfast. The findings of this research could promote the implementation of school breakfast programs in elementary schools, or encourage schools to continue the program they may have already established."
Abstract This paper discusses factory farming, which is a relatively new way of producing food at a lower cost. The paper explains that the aims of factory farming is to produce as much meat in as little time as possible and as cheaply as possible. The paper then discusses the reasons that factory farming is having a profoundly negative effect on our environment and the health of the general population.
From the Paper "Factory farming is an inhumane and environmentally reckless way to produce food. For years factory farming has been steadily evolving into larger and more concentrated operations. These operations pollute the areas around them making those areas uninhabitable to people while driving smaller family farms out of business. Lately there has also been new evidence linking the constant low doses of antibiotics the animals receive to new strains of multi-antibacterial resistant strains of bacteria and avian flu. As a result of factory farming Americans have cheaper more abundant access to food but at a very high cost, costs that have yet to be fully realized."
Abstract This paper relates that processed foods have definitely been beneficial to the food industry; however, they have caused a handful of health issues for consumers. The author stresses that genetically modified ingredients should not exist in processed food because they can cause consumers to become sick and even die. Too much MSG and salt in foods has proven to be the main causes of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. The paper underscores that, in order for consumers to know what they are eating, the FDA needs to adopt stronger labeling laws to inform consumers of additives in food products. To avoid health issues, consumers need to keep away from eating a mostly processed food diet and turn to a more balanced diet.
From the Paper "Back in 1958, New York City was under attack, not by terrorists, but by milk. Bee Wilson, author of "The Swill is Gone", explains the cows were being milked to the point they were producing a bluish substance known as swill milk. The milk couldn't be sold with a bluish tint so the milk was altered to look wholesome, claims Wilson. In order for the milk to look wholesome Wilson describes the process in which they added plaster of Paris, to remove the bluish tint, starches and eggs to thicken the milk, and molasses for a buttercup hue to imitate the real thing. "
A look at the health disparities found in diabetes and obesity based on socio-economic status among African Americans and what can be done to address those disparities.
Abstract The correlation between diabetes and obesity has been long established in recent years. There are strong genetic component and environmental factors that contribute to high prevalence rates of diabetes. The changes in one's lifestyle, sedentary mode of living, poor eating habits and socioeconomic status are significant contributors to the development of diabetes mellitus. Currently, in the U.S. the rate of diabetes is staggering among all age groups, sexes, and ethnic populations. The paper studies the correlation between socioeconomic status, diabetes and obesity and how diabetes in the above mentioned statement as well as other economic and social factors is related.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
What is Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity
History of Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity in America
Factors Created Due to Diabetes
How is Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity Linked?
Proposed Solutions to Combat Disparities
Solutions: Health Literacy Program and Creating Satellites
Conclusion
From the Paper "" In the United States there has been a concurrent increase in the incidence of diabetes and obesity among all age groups and races. This increase has been especially prominent in the African American population, where a large percentage of diabetes cases and complications develop due to lack of access or provision of healthcare. This disparity is also evident in other races, but African Americans possess the genetic tendency to develop diabetes in greater proportions. Obesity patterns have also exponentially increased in this population in the recent years. Therefore, obesity a prime factor in the development of diabetes, has resulted in a elevated increase in the percentage of diabetes cases in the African American population (Department of Health and Human Services, 2003)."
Abstract This paper discusses fat phobia in Western society and how it affects girls and women of all ages. The paper specifically demonstrates how overweight women are the targets of discrimination, hatred and fat-phobia. The paper defines the terms 'fat', 'overweight' and 'obese' and then examines the ways in which fat women are discriminated against.
Table of Content:
Body Image Issues Since 1900
Fat Oppression and Women
From the Paper "Women are far from merely oppressed from the outside. They have internalized the fears and phobias towards fatness, maintaining lives of undue discipline and self-policing of behavior. How many women count their calories or read nutrition labels for fat content while insisting they are not dieting? Women manipulate their lives so that food appears to be a non-issue for them. Men will often whine that they are annoyed when women won't eat in their presence, yet women believe they are doing that so men will find them more attractive. The oppression of fatness in our culture is not one that only affects those deemed 'medically overweight.' Pick up any magazine or watch any television show (particularly during daytime TV) and you will realize how prevalent notions of 'thin is the only option' are. The fat woman in the ad is often portrayed as lonely, searching for a new career and looking for that perfect love. The only way she can ever achieve these goals is to be thin, at any cost."
Abstract This paper presents a proposal for an experimental study to improve New York public school children's eating habits at an early age in order to change their forecast of obesity for these future adults. The paper contends that minimizing or eliminating sugar intake and increasing nutritional subsistence value and physical activities should produce healthier children and increase their academic focus level. By having access to adequate nutritional products and consistent monitoring of nutrition and daily increased activities should create healthier children in the targeted communities. This should trickle over to the home life through the outreach part of the program.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Problem Statement
Hypotheses
Research Questions
The Study Rationale
The Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
Limitations of the Study
The Research Methodology
Design
Inclusion Criteria
Sampling Recruitment of Subject
Intervention
StatisticalAnalysis
From the Paper "The design of the intervention is to take three schools from each borough in the New York area and change the cafeteria menus for these schools. In addition, the school grounds will become sugar free. This means taking away all the candy and soda vending machines and replacing them with healthy food machine products. Students will be deterred from buying unhealthy products from outside venders who sell products on school grounds right outside of the school. Candy and soda will be considered contraband under this program, and outlawed at the school. Subjects of the study would have a home aspect of the research which would continue the study in the students' home through logs, home visits, controlled food products and weekly incentives to the families of the study."
