School Physical Activity Success Story
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Urban Housing Units
Category: Increasing physical activity in a before or after school program
Key Changes and Results:
- Movin' Van filled with balls, games and equipment to get kids moving in their neighborhoods between the hours of 5:00 and 6:00 PM three times per week.
- Youth began to know their close neighbors and parents allowed outside play.
- Provided a time for parents and children to play together.
- Improved social interaction among participants.
- Enabled after school participation for children who cannot afford recreational services due to transportation or similar barriers.
- As a pilot study, confirmed the need for this type of program.
- We found that some of these youth were in their heart rate zones without being very active, while others had to work to get into their heart rate zones.
Keys to Success:
- Innovative Attitude: As professionals we should look outside the box or our fields to provide services for our schools, neighborhoods, and communities that otherwise may not have access to our customary services.
- Utilize Resources: The Movin' Van idea came from Promoting Better Health for Young People Through Physical Activity and Sports: A Report to the President From the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education (June 23, 2000).
- Positive Partnerships: Data is being collected with equipment donated by Polar and HealthFirst, USA to help justify the need to provide this type of activity to these neighborhoods. These same kids are also using Polar heart rate monitors and are learning what target health rate zones mean, how to elevate and reduce their heart rate, and how to check their pulse.
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