Detailed Project Plan 200

So I've added this new section to collaborate a finished product. I've written a draft of the Situation and Objectives sections. They need a little work as I'm sure I'm missing some key information, but it is a start. In Word, it amounts to about 3.5 pages with footnotes and double spacing... ~Brittney

Situation

This century has shown an unprecedented increase in childhood obesity. Studies have indicated that a sedentary lifestyle and the advent of technology as a medium for enjoyment have added to the epidemic.

“Poor eating patterns [developed early in life] contribute to chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis.”  Problems that have been primarily “adult diseases” in the past are manifesting themselves in today’s youth. Additionally, studies have proven that “inadequate nutrition [greatly] affects the long term development of child[ren]”, and that “the number of life-threatening allergies is increasing among [today’s] youth.”

The sedentary lifestyles of our children are greatly to blame for the ever increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in our society. “Obesity rates among children and youth have nearly tripled during [the last twenty-five years] and indications are that the rates of overweight and obesity among First Nations children are two to three times higher than the Canadian average.”  Obesity is a national problem that is having incredible effects on our society; specifically on our healthcare system. Roughly “$2.1 billion, or 2.5% of the total direct health care costs in Canada, were attributable to physical inactivity in 1999. Thus, even a modest reduction would have a significant effect on the health of Canadians.” If “physical activity were increased by 10% by 2010, the economic savings would amount to $18.3 million in direct costs and $31.1 million in indirect costs for an annual amount of $49.4 million (BC Ministry of Health Planning, 2004).”   Some research even suggests that today’s youth will be the first generation not to outlive their parents!

Not only would we, as a country that holds healthcare so paramount be saving money, we would also be living far healthier, active and longer lives. Beginning at younger age to teach children to embrace an active lifestyle is key to turning around these appalling statistics.

It is common knowledge that an active lifestyle and excellent eating habits are the basis of a long and healthy life. Ensuring that our children are getting the exercise that their body’s need and the proper nutrition to fuel healthy growth is the focus and cornerstone of our program.

Objectives

The objectives of this campaign are to educate children on the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and to promote a healthy way of life consisting of a balance between nutrition and exercise. As group we want to show children how to exercise and eat properly. Introducing them to new easy-to-eat-easy-to-make foods and fun active activities that they can participate in is our ultimate mandate.

During school visits, we will introduce students to ways to achieve a healthy weight all by the way they eat and exercise. The PLAY! program will introduce every grade level to specific exercises, games and activities that will be suitable for their age and ability. Research has shown that “optimally challenging experiences [and activities are] associated with feelings of positive affect (i.e., fun, enjoyment, and motivation to continue engaging in the activity)”. Teachers will be given the support and resources they need to implement these ideas in their classrooms and how to best “facilitate optimal challenge in their physical education classes”. Several options will be made available to suit the needs of the class, the teacher and the classroom environment that the students are in.

We want to exhibit that a healthy lifestyle promoted early on in elementary and high school will vastly improve the overall health of our communities. In addition, it will reduce government spending on healthcare as a result of inactive lifestyles amongst today’s youth.

Reaching out to the parents will not only be necessary, but critical to achieving the goals of PLAY!, but more importantly achieving the ultimate goal of happy, healthy children. We will educate parents about the benefits of a healthy weight and healthy body image. The program will provide evidence to parents that physical activity is as important as academic excellence; a healthy lifestyle contributes to academic success! By offering information, facts and ideas about healthy lifestyles, we want parents to take an active role in their children’s nutritional and active lives.