“Activity Works” Uses Kinetic Learning to Bring Physical Activity into the Classroom

In light of troubling statistics showing that one of every three children is considered overweight or obese, the North Shore-LIJ Health System today joined with representatives from the Roosevelt School District, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and Bank of America to demonstrate a new school-based wellness initiative called “Activity Works.”

Activity Works combines elementary school subject matter and physical exercise to create a kinetic learning experience. The program features 10-minute videos and CDs that are used by teachers to help students learn math, science, geography and other subjects, while also getting badly needed exercise. During a news conference today at Roosevelt’s Centennial Avenue School, for instance, second- and third-graders went on a virtual “trip” across the United States, using stand-in-place movements while climbing the Brooklyn Bridge, rowing down the Mississippi River and visiting other destinations across the country.

The first-of-its-kind program, developed by North Shore-LIJ’s Office of Community Health, is currently being piloted among 1,000 second-and third-graders in five Long Island school districts: Glen Cove, North Bellmore, Roosevelt, Valley Stream and Westbury. The program is being funded at no cost to the school districts; North Shore-LIJ is underwriting the costs, thanks in part to a grant from Bank of America.

To determine the program’s psychological and physical benefits to children, North Shore-LIJ President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Dowling said the health system is currently conducting a clinical study involving 500 students participating in Activity Works. “Improving the health of the communities we serve is a key part of North Shore-LIJ’s mission, and given the growing concerns over childhood obesity, we believe that school-based wellness programs like Activity Works can play an important role in keeping our kids healthy,” Mr. Dowling said.

The ultimate goal, he added, is to expand Activity Works to other elementary schools in the region and across New York State, which will help schools fulfill the state’s physical education mandate.

A recent audit by the State Comptroller’s office found that many schools are not providing students with enough physical education. "Childhood obesity translates into more serious health problems down the road, and those problems lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in health care costs," said Mr. DiNapoli. "The North Shore-LIJ Health System is doing its part to help New York’s youngsters get moving with this great program. Efforts like Activity Works will help bring childhood obesity under control."

Childhood wellness is also a high priority for County Executive Suozzi. “This program will not only encourage our children to exercise but will give them important tools to carry into adulthood that will enable them to live healthy lifestyles, all the while making learning  geography, math, and science more interesting,” said Mr. Suozzi. “We’ve all heard it a million times – if you want to be healthy, eat right and exercise.  This is a great way for children to start these habits at a young age.”

“Bank of America is proud to support the Activity Works program,” said Robert Isaksen, president of Bank of America’s Long Island market. “We are delighted to be able to work with community partners such as North Shore-LIJ, local government and schools to deliver services that promote the health and well-being of our children, while ensuring they meet state education requirements.”

To learn more about the Activity Works program, go to http://activityworks.org/.

Contacts: 
Michelle Pinto
516-465-2649 (Cell) 917-327-3898
Terry Lynam 516-465-2640
tlynam@nshs.edu