Jog Your Memory (JYM) is a science based pre-educational primer to enhance learning potential (i.e., mental focus, retention and cognition) through the application of specific physical fitness programming.

The growing collection of evidence proves the obesity epidemic and overall decline in fitness levels is a reality. Increased physical activity is needed and society, particularly children, could benefit greatly from health-and-wellness-based physical education programs.

High quality physical education programs result in improved physical fitness levels, enhanced academic performance and reduce impulsivity and aggression.

Healthy Student Bodies has identified four key problems with current physical education systems and academic philosophies:

1. The dramatic decline in the number of students taking physical education classes on a daily basis.
2. The continued emphasis on the “sports model” of physical education. A model that overemphasizes team sports skill development.
3. The uninspiring method of grading students based on skills and innate athletic abilities versus grading on effort and progress toward individual goals.
4. The removal or minimization of P.E. time for increased academic time due to the erroneous assumption that increased academic time will improve students’ academic scores.

JYM and the resources of HSB promote Quality Daily Physical Education (QDPE) to:

1. Provide fitness education and assessment to help students understand, improve, or maintain their physical well-being.
2. Educate students in a variety of motor skills and physical activities that are designed to enhance their physical, mental and social/emotional development.
3. Develop and instruct cognitive concepts regarding motor skills and physical fitness that support a lifelong healthy lifestyle
4. Provide opportunities for students to develop positive social and cooperative skills through enhanced self-image and confidence via physical activity.
5. Educate students in healthy eating habits, optimum nutrition and other lifestyle factors including rest and stress management.

QDPE is imperative for students in grades K-12. It must be a part of every strategy designed to increase our kids’ physical activity, promote healthy lifestyles and address the health care issues plaguing our country.

In order for that to happen a comprehensive and integrated approach must be undertaken. It’s by nature a collective challenge and everyone has a role to play. There’s an old African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In this case, that proverb should be modified to, “It takes a village to raise a healthy child.”

JYM and the healthy lifestyle educational resources of HSB hope to bring physical fitness educators to the forefront of academia. Adherence to the programming will positively influence participants to adopt lifelong healthy habits such as: exercise, optimum nutrition and rest and stress management. These habits will enable them to either directly or indirectly mentor and set an example within their own family/community; while reducing the incidence of obesity and related diseases.