Let's Get Physical

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Updated: 7:57 PM Mar 6, 2008 Let's Get Physical Kids in Charlottesville are disproportionately overweight and obese as compared to the rest of the country. The city's public schools are trying to change that. Posted: 6:53 PM Mar 6, 2008 Reporter: Matt Holmes Email Address: matt.holmes@wcav.tv

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Thursday March 6, 2008

Charlottesville schools are charged with getting kids equipped for life in the real world. School leaders say that's not just to limited to books.

"Because we want to support the whole child, not just the academic side, we are definitely in tune to making sure we do some things to help our children be more physically fit," says Associate Superintendent Gertrude Ivory.

The numbers are staggering.

According to the Childhood Obesity Task Force, 46 percent of kids in Charlottesville are either overweight or obese. Nationally, only 30 percent of children fit those categories.

That's why the school system supports after-school enrichment programs for elementary schoolers; an opportunity to introduce kids to exercise and nutrition at an early age. They also gave the green light to a middle school sports program that has drawn rave reviews from parents and students.

"We're always looking for ways in which we can improve the quality of our physical education activities," explains Dr. Breyette Lorntz, Charlottesville's Coordinator of Health, Physical Education and Family Life. "We're expanding programs at Buford and we are going to introduce a new First Tee program."

While some parents may rather see the schools focus only on academics, health experts say it can be those very parents who are driving their kids to obesity.

"When we meet with children who are overweight and obese, we really encourage the whole family to make a change," says UVa Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Mark DeBoer. "It's going to be healthier for everybody in the family."

Dr. DeBoer says the point of physical education classes and some of these after-school programs is to get kids to "start enjoying physical activity more and maybe be able to change the lifestyle for the long term."

Dr. Lorntz adds: "You can't educate a child's mind and neglect their body and do a good job at education."

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