Importance of Physical Activity and Nutrition

Regular physical activity and proper nutrition

Increase students’ capacity to learn

Aerobic activity increases blood flow to the brain and speeds recall and reasoning skills

Reduce absenteeism

Improve physical fitness and mental alertness

Help build and maintain healthy bones and muscles

Help control weight, build lean muscle, and reduce fat

Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety

Promote psychological well-being

Vigorous activity in a physical education class gives the brain its needed nutrients

A human exchanges about 10% of his oxygen with each normal breath, meaning that about 90% of the oxygen is not used until we deep breath or exercise. A lack of oxygen to the brain results in disorientation, confusion, fatigue, sluggish concentration and memory problems

Physical Activity, Nutrition & Disease

Diet and physical inactivity account for at least 300,000 deaths among U.S. adults; only tobacco contributes to more deaths

Diet and physical inactivity are risk factors for heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis