Local Brookhill Teacher and ASU Professors on Childhood Obesity

As we enter into a more technological world, and we as parents are learning all the new electronic gadgets, are we sending a destructive message to our children? Are we raising a generation of sedentary children? Are we the problem… the reason our children don’t take time to exercise and eat properly? They are only doing as they see us… their parents or "role models" do...right!

Physical Education teacher at Brookhill, Ben Heatherly, and two Athens State University professors, Dr. Yvette Bolen and Dr. Bruce Thomas, have examined several cases of the physical activities of children in relationship to those of their parent’s physical activities. Their findings were presented November 28th in Gottenheim Germany at an international conference sponsored by the International Journal of Arts and Sciences.

Heatherly, Bolen and Thomas have been reporting on the effects parents have on their children’s health patterns for about a year or so. With the growing number of health complications experienced by children who are overweight and obese, the findings of this study illustrate the necessity that parents taken on an active role in modeling and that they encourage a lifestyle that includes consistent, vigorous physical activity for their children. This is one step of many to positively change the longevity and quality of life enjoyed by future generations.

Heatherly presented the research at the conference and was one of the only presenters whose first language was English (although everyone spoke English pretty well) and was one of only two presenters from the US.

Heatherly, Bolen and Thomas also have been accepted for 2 presentations coming up this month at the Southern District for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance conference in Greensboro, NC and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance conference in San Diego during April.

Dancing can raise heart rates and burn calories as well as most vigorous physical activities. Some dancers expend calories at an estimated rate of over 1,000 calories each hour while dancing the cha-cha, waltz, and many other social dances. Some burn over 1,200 calories each hour while a man running a five-minute mile would expend calories at a lower rate.

People tend to hardly realize they are exercising when they are dancing. Dancing can be very enriching and even euphoric. As dancers develop skills they display gratification and feelings of accomplishment similar to individuals who play together in a variety of sports.

Dancing is fun and there is always something new to try and master. The socialization, music, and enjoyment motivate people to dance. Dance is the ultimate recreational activity that can be practiced for a lifetime, providing outstanding aerobic health benefits.

Yvette and Ben will be offering dance classes beginning Tuesday, March 15th and continue on Tuesdays during the month of March and first Tuesday in April.

For more information or to sign up for classes contact Yvette Bolen and Ben Heatherly by email: athensdance@live.com  or call Yvette at Athens State University: 256-216-6626

Click here to learn more on attending their dance class!