( continued from page 13 ) will be active participants in this project . They will be completing surveys which will offer opportunities for additional education as well as allow Ms . Mattingly the ability to reinforce healthy behaviors .
Julie Mattingly has an extensive background in health and fitness and currently teaches science , health science and physical education at St . James School . Ms . Mattingly ’ s appreciation for school-based physical activity programs coupled with her extensive knowledge in fitness development has made her a champion for the children at St . James School . By instructing the children on healthy behavior , coupled with the use of the heart rate monitors , Julie ’ s mission is to help them “ recognize where they are and where they want to be with the goal of making changes to a better life .” In addition , Julie will be teaching mindfulness and self-calming techniques to be used by the students , teachers and parents .
St . James ’ 123 students come from some of the most diverse neighborhoods in Louisville and also include the lowest socioeconomic groups in the city . Ninety-five of these students qualify for Title 1 services and free or reduced lunch . Since August 2021 , St . James has put into action school health initiatives that give students numerous opportunities to observe and learn positive health attitudes and behaviors . The goal is to reinforce health consistently on many levels and in many ways . Kentucky has one of the highest obesity rates in the nation for children between the ages of 10 and 17 . 4 Regular physical activity is integral to the health of children and adolescents and is one of the most important actions that communities can support .
The value of this grant can be measured in numerous ways . Student excitement and engagement with the heart rate monitors is high . Parental engagement is elevated and will continue to be fostered . As parents are surveyed , additional education on healthy lifestyles for children will be shared . Teachers are looking forward to instructing the children in healthy habits and caring for their bodies . And most importantly , “ The children will participate in mind-body therapies to better focus on the interaction between the mind and body with the intent to use the mind to influence physical functions and directly affect health .” 5
References
1 https :// www . cdc . gov / physicalactivity / activepeoplehealthynation / index . html
2 https :// www . cdc . gov / healthyschools / physicalactivity / index . htm
3 https :// nces . ed . gov / surveys / sass / tables / sass0708 _ 035 _ s1s . asp
4 https :// stateofchildhoodobesity . org / children1017 /
5
Mind-Body Therapies in Children and Youth SECTION ON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE . Pediatrics ( 2016 ) 138 ( 3 ): e20161896 . https :// doi . org / 10.1542 / peds . 2016-1896
Dr . Purcell is the Program Director for the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Grant / Kentucky Chapter AAP and Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics Gratis at the University of Louisville . She also serves as your GLMS President-Elect .
THE VALUE OF MEDICINE
14 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE