chapter 17 Parent, Staff, and Faculty Physical Activity Programs

Value of a Faculty, Staff, and Parent Physical Activity Program Faculty and staff who have opportunities to maintain health and opportunities for physical activity at the workplace are absent less often and are more positive about their work experiences. Faculty and staff who participate in workplace fitness and wellness programs are good role models for students. Parents who participate in school programs are more likely to support not only efforts to increase the physical activity of their children but also other school programs.

What Is a Comprehensive School Parent, Staff, and Faculty Wellness Program? Fitness testing Conditioning programs Weight control and nutrition programming Walking/jogging clubs Weight training Sport programs, intramural and club Fitness consultation Family fitness education Family physical activity opportunities Aerobic activities (e.g., aerobic dance, kick boxing, step aerobics, GeoFitness)

Beginning a Program Define the long-term and short-term goals of the program and the target audience of the program. –Who are we going to target—staff, faculty, parents, families? –Should the program be at the district or school level? –How are we going to determine interest? (continued)

Beginning a Program (continued) What program elements should we offer to begin the program? –Opportunity for physical activity? –Instruction in physical activity? –Educational programs? –Individual consulting? (continued)

Beginning a Program (continued) What is the potential to expand the services of the program? What resources will the school or district provide in terms of staffing, resources, or organizational support? Who should make these decisions (PE teacher with administrator, district wellness council, appointed committee)?

Determining the Interest Use a short survey that can be given to faculty, staff, and parents to determine interest in a program. Surveys can be sent home with students to parents or may be linked to the school Web site to be returned electronically. Interest is likely to grow if the beginning participants find their participation rewarding. Programs should not be afraid to start small with a small number of participants.

Administering the Program Set priorities as to what services you will provide based on your resources. Obtain resources for the program. –Community partners (hospitals, local health departments, parent organizations, local businesses, YMCA/YWCA, local media, civic organizations) –District revenues –Participant fees –Private and public agencies

Staffing Some program components are likely to need more participation of staff than other components. Programs that require equipment or leadership will necessitate attendance of program staff. Programs that meet outside normal school hours are also likely to need custodial help with letting participants in and out of the facility without compromising security, or will need to give the staffperson in charge of the program the authority to do so.

Communication Make sure that all potential participants are given the opportunity to sign up for the program. –School and district Web sites –Flyers in faculty and staff mailboxes or s –Presentations at beginning of school orientations for parents –Notes sent home to parents via students –Teacher Web sites –Posters in the lobby of the school (continued)

Communication (continued) Set up a quick means to communicate with the participants –Use a Web site or listserv. –Participants should be given a telephone number they can call to check whether events are going to be conducted, and a telephone “chain” should be established.

Working With the Adult Population Adults can achieve the aerobic activity recommendation through one of the following options: A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day (such as brisk walking) most days of the week, or A minimum of 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity (such as jogging or running) three days a week.

How Physical Activity Helps Adults Lowers stress and boosts mood Increases strength, movement, balance, and flexibility Controls blood pressure and blood sugar Builds healthy bones, muscles, and joints Helps the heart and lungs work better Improves self-esteem Boosts energy during the day and aids in sleep at night

Adapting Programs to Physical Limitations Many adults are not physically fit and may experience physical limitations. Programs need to be adapted to their level of fitness. Two pointers: –A man over the age of 40 or a woman over age 50, or anyone who has a chronic health problem, should talk to his or her health care provider before starting a vigorous physical activity program. –People do not need to talk to their provider before starting an activity like walking. (continued)

Adapting Programs to Physical Limitations (continued) Adults have many reasons for not participating regularly and for not engaging in physical activity on a regular basis. Address these specifically with solutions. (continued)

Adapting Programs to Physical Limitations (continued) Schools should have a risk management plan to deal with the liability issues involved in working with nonprofessional employees on school property. At the very least, participants should be asked to fill out a health questionnaire that is screened for potential problems and to sign a waiver of liability for normal risks associated with participation in physical activities.

Walking For many adults, walking is the exercise of choice. Counting steps is one way to monitor the amount of physical activity a person is getting each day. Using a pedometer is motivating and inexpensive. The normal activity level for adults is about 900 to 3,000 steps per day. The recommended number of steps per day just to maintain some level of fitness is 10,000.

Family Programs The responsibility of the school physical activity program with respect to families: Education of parents about the importance of physical activity for their children Providing help and ideas for how to make physical activity a “family affair” Providing direct services to parents by conducting family opportunities for physical activity on a regular basis