"If exercise could be packed in a pill, it would be the single most prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation"

                                                                                                          Robert N. Butler, MD

President and CEO of the International longevity Center- USA

 

What kind of gym shoes will allow a child to play safely in physical education classes?

In order for children to play safely in class it is necessary for them to have clean gym shoes that stay securely on their feet.  It is recommended that all students have a pair of gym shoes to keep at school to be worn only in gym class.  Children who have only one pair of gym shoes and must wear their shoes to and from school and out for recess must be careful where they walk and play so that the shoes do not pick up mud which will fall of f on the gym floor causing the floor to become slippery and dangerous to play on.  It is also recommended that gym shoes have laces or Velcro closures.  Shoes that “slip on” also “slip off” easily and do not provide stability for the ankle.  If a child wants the new higher topped slip-on shoes (called “Prestos”) that cover the entire top of the foot, make sure the shoes fit snugly enough to stay on so that they won’t fly off and hit another student when the child kicks a ball.  Low topped slip-on shoes are not acceptable because they usually do not provide enough support.  Neither are the s

What should be done if a child has been ill or is injured and needs to be excused from physical activity?

Unfortunately, there are times during the school year when children become ill or suffer an injury that makes participation in physical education classes unwise.  At those times, a note to explain the reason and length of time the child is to be excused should be sent to school.  If the restricted activity will only be for 1-2 classes, the note can be written by a parent.  If the child needs to be excused for 3 or more classes, a doctor should write the note.  The doctor also needs to report the date when the child can return to full activity.