Mar. 4--A report on the Schools for Healthy Lifestyles program indicates students not only eat better and exercise more, but they do better on standardized testing.
Schools for Healthy Lifestyles, a nonprofit organization started in 1997, works in 52 Oklahoma elementary schools to promote physical fitness, good nutrition, prevention of tobacco use, safety and injury prevention and good oral health.
The report looked at 6,000 students in grades 4 and 5 and was prepared by Steven Sternlof, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. It was presented Wednesday at a Schools for Healthy Lifestyles event.
The most striking results were the impact of healthy choices on academics, Sternlof said.
"The results were incredible, revealing that when students had a culture of health in their school, they performed better academically," Sternlof said.
"This was true not only for larger districts like Oklahoma City and Edmond, but smaller communities such as Kingfisher and Yukon."
On average, Academic Performance Index scores for Schools for Healthy Lifestyles locations increased 22 percent over a 3-year period, compared to only 6 percent for demographically similar schools not participating in the lifestyles program.
Strong minds, bodies
State schools Superintendent Sandy Garrett said the report confirms the link between strong minds and strong bodies.
"Students who are healthy are less prone to be absent," she said, "and are more attentive and engaged in class."
The survey also found:
--41 percent increase in knowledge about food labels.
--47 percent increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables per day.
--43 percent increase in higher levels of physical activity.
"We all know the benefits of good diet and exercise, but to see the actual statistical data and the huge significance being made by Schools for Healthy Lifestyles truly emphasizes the critical work being done every year," said Dr. John Bozalis, president of the nonprofit organization.
Bozalis said Schools for Healthy Lifestyles may expand to middle schools throughout the state.
The curriculum meets a critical need, he said, because the state does not mandate health education in schools.
Lynne Cameron, a physical education teacher at Heronville Elementary in Oklahoma City, said the program promotes lifelong habits.
"They understand it's not just something you do as a young person," she said. "It's a way of life."
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