Why is physical education a student’s most important subject? | William Simon, Jr. | TEDxUCLA

Summary

This speech advocates for physical education as a core subject in schools, emphasizing its importance for students' physical, emotional, and academic well-being. Despite its critical role in preventing chronic diseases and enhancing learning, PE often lacks adequate resources. The speaker shares personal experiences and research supporting the benefits of exercise for brain function and mental health. He calls for a reevaluation of priorities to ensure every child has access to physical education, particularly in low-income schools, and suggests that PE should be a fundamental right.

Takeaways

• 🏋️ Physical Education (PE) is crucial for promoting physical and emotional health, aiding in learning, and fostering character development in children.
• 📚 The speaker advocates for PE to be considered a core subject alongside math, English, science, and history due to its multifaceted benefits.
• 💸 The current school system often underfunds PE, with a median annual budget of $764 for an entire school, equating to mere pennies per student.
• 🌟 The speaker and his wife, Cindy, initiated the 'UCLA health sound body sound mind' program to enhance PE in schools by providing equipment, curriculum, and teacher training.
• 🧠 Exercise has been shown to improve academic performance, particularly in reading and math, by enhancing executive functions like focus and motivation.
• 🚀 Exercise acts as a 'miracle-gro' for the brain, optimizing mindset, aiding cell binding for information retention, and promoting the growth of new nerve cells.
• 🌟 The narrative of PE as the least important subject is challenged, with the speaker emphasizing its vital role in preventing chronic diseases and early death.
• 🌱 The personal story of the speaker's son, Willie, who has autism and benefited significantly from regular exercise, illustrates the transformative power of physical activity.
• 📉 Inactivity is labeled as dangerous and akin to 'the new smoking,' with a stark increase in obesity rates among children and adolescents.
• 💊 The World Health Organization highlights the negative impacts of obesity in children, including bullying, low self-esteem, poor academic and employment prospects, and increased risk of diseases.
• 🏥 The financial burden of inactivity is substantial, with potential savings of $62.3 billion over lifetimes if children engage in regular exercise from a young age.

Q & A

Why is physical education considered important for a student's overall development?

Physical education is crucial as it promotes physical and emotional health, aids in learning, and helps cultivate character necessary for productive adulthood.

How does the speaker view physical education in comparison to other academic subjects?

The speaker believes that physical education should be a core subject on par with math, English, science, and history, rather than being treated as the least important.

What is the median annual budget for physical education in schools as mentioned in the script?

The median annual budget for physical education in schools is $764 for the entire school.

What is the 'Sound Body Sound Mind' program, and how does it aim to address the issue of physical education?

The 'Sound Body Sound Mind' program, initiated by the speaker and his wife, aims to improve physical education by providing physical fitness equipment, curriculum, and training for physical education teachers in schools.

How does exercise impact academic outcomes according to the Institute of Medicine?

The Institute of Medicine found that exercise positively impacts reading and math subjects, which require good executive function, and there is a link between executive function and exercise.

What is the transformative impact of exercise on the speaker's son, Willie?

Exercise has been transformative for Willie, who has autism, helping him manage his weight and behavioral issues, and is considered the best therapy and medication he has ever had.

How does exercise affect the brain according to Dr. John Ratey?

Dr. John Ratey explains that exercise releases neural chemicals and growth factors that support the brain's infrastructure, optimizing mindset, aiding cell binding for information retention, and creating new nerve cells in the hippocampus.

What are the mental health benefits of exercise as discussed in the script?

Exercise releases endorphins that can help with mild cases of depression and anxiety, serving as a low-cost, effective, and natural way to deal with life stressors.

What is the connection between inactivity and obesity as described in the script?

Inactivity is a core cause of obesity, which has doubled amongst children since the 1980s and tripled amongst adolescents, leading to serious health consequences.

What is the financial impact of inactivity on children's lifetimes according to the Johns Hopkins research mentioned?

Johns Hopkins research suggests that putting children on a regular exercise program could save $62.3 billion over their lifetimes in terms of lost wages and medical expenses.

Why are low-income schools a special area of concern regarding physical education?

Children in low-income neighborhoods are nine times more likely to be overweight due to fewer safe places for exercise, limited access to healthy food, and expensive organized sports, making physical education in schools crucial.

Outlines

00:00

🏋️‍♂️ The Importance of Physical Education

The speaker emphasizes the critical role of physical education (PE) in schools, advocating for it to be treated as a core subject alongside math, English, science, and history. Despite its benefits for physical and emotional health, academic performance, and character development, PE is often undervalued and underfunded. The median annual budget for PE in schools is shockingly low at $764 for the entire school. The speaker shares personal experience, highlighting the UCLA Health Sound Body Sound Mind program that they initiated to address this issue, which provides fitness equipment, curriculum, and teacher training, impacting over 185,000 children annually.

05:00

🚴‍♂️ Exercise: A Natural Therapy and Academic Booster

This section discusses the profound impact of exercise on both physical and mental health, particularly in academic performance. Exercise is shown to enhance executive function, which is crucial for reading and math skills. The speaker shares the story of their son Willie, who has autism and significantly benefited from regular exercise, improving his behavior and weight issues. Scientific evidence supports the view that exercise can be as effective as medication in managing conditions like depression and anxiety. The speaker also points out the social benefits of exercise in combating loneliness and the importance of physical activity from a young age to prevent obesity and its associated health risks.

10:03

📈 The Alarming Rise of Childhood Obesity

The speaker addresses the dramatic increase in childhood obesity, which has doubled since the 1980s, with a third of American children now overweight and 14 million classified as obese. The consequences are severe, with obese children facing bullying, low self-esteem, poor academic and employment prospects, and increased risks of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. The speaker cites a study suggesting that regular exercise for children could save $62.3 billion in lifetime costs related to health and productivity. The speaker calls for a reevaluation of priorities to address this public health crisis, particularly in schools where physical education can play a pivotal role.

15:04

🌟 Prioritizing Physical Education for Holistic Development

The final paragraph underscores the timeless wisdom of the connection between physical, mental, and spiritual health, which is often overlooked in modern education. The speaker argues that physical education is not just about physical fitness but also about developing character traits like resilience and perseverance. They propose that physical education should be a fundamental right and be considered the most important subject in schools, given its comprehensive benefits. The speaker concludes by reflecting on the historical precedent set by President Kennedy's call for a fit nation and suggests that with the right priorities, we can ensure a healthy and active future for our children.

Keywords

💡Physical Education

Physical Education (PE) is a school subject that focuses on physical activities to develop students' physical fitness, skills, and overall health. In the video, it is emphasized as a core subject that is crucial for promoting physical and emotional health, and it is argued to be as important as academic subjects like math and English. The speaker suggests that PE should be treated with the same priority as other core subjects due to its significant impact on students' well-being and academic performance.

💡Health and Fitness

Health and fitness refer to the state of being free from illness and injury and having a good level of physical fitness. The video underscores the importance of understanding principles of health and fitness, as they are vital for preventing chronic diseases and promoting a long, productive life. The speaker argues that health and fitness should be integral parts of a student's education, as neglecting them can lead to severe health consequences.

💡Academic Performance

Academic performance refers to how well a student does in school, typically measured by grades and test scores. The video highlights that physical education can enhance academic performance, as exercise has been linked to improved cognitive function and better learning outcomes. The speaker points out that exercise can help students do better in subjects like reading and math, which require good executive function.

💡Chronic Disease

Chronic disease refers to long-lasting medical conditions that are not contagious and are typically managed rather than cured. In the context of the video, chronic diseases are mentioned as potential risks for students who do not understand or practice the principles of health and fitness. The speaker emphasizes that neglecting physical education can lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

💡Exercise

Exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health. The video discusses the transformative impact of exercise on both physical and mental health. The speaker shares a personal story about his son with autism, who experienced significant improvements in behavior and weight loss through regular exercise. Exercise is portrayed as a natural therapy that can help manage conditions like depression, anxiety, and obesity.

💡Executive Function

Executive function refers to a set of cognitive processes that are necessary for purposeful, organized, and goal-directed behavior. The video mentions that reading and math, which are most impacted by exercise, require good executive function. The speaker cites research showing a link between exercise and improved executive function, which in turn enhances academic performance.

💡Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system and brain functions. The video references neuroscience research, particularly the work of Dr. John Ratey, who explains how exercise releases chemicals that support brain health and function. The speaker uses this research to argue that physical education is not just about physical health but also about cognitive development and mental well-being.

💡Mental Health

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The video discusses the positive impact of exercise on mental health, including its role in managing mild depression and anxiety. The speaker shares the story of his son Willie, who has autism and has benefited from exercise in terms of improved behavior and weight management, illustrating the broader benefits of physical activity for mental health.

💡Inactivity

Inactivity refers to a lack of physical activity. The video warns about the dangers of inactivity, likening it to 'the new smoking.' The speaker points out that inactivity is a core cause of obesity and other health issues, and it is a widespread problem that has led to an explosion in the incidence of obesity among children, with serious implications for their health and well-being.

💡Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition involving excessive body fat. The video discusses the alarming rise in childhood obesity and its profound effects on health, self-esteem, and future prospects. The speaker cites statistics showing that a third of American children are overweight and 14 million are obese, highlighting the urgent need to address this issue through physical education and promoting physical activity.

💡Character Development

Character development refers to the process of cultivating moral and ethical qualities. The video suggests that physical education is not only about physical health but also about developing character traits like resilience and perseverance. The speaker argues that PE classes provide a unique opportunity for students to practice and develop these traits, which are essential for leading a successful and fulfilling life.

Highlights

Physical education promotes physical and emotional health, aids in learning, and develops character.

Physical education should be a core subject alongside math, English, science, and history.

Exercise helps children perform better in academic subjects.

The principles of health and fitness are vital for students' lives.

Inadequate resources are devoted to physical education in schools.

The median annual budget for physical education in schools is $764.

Exercise is a low-cost, effective therapy for Willie, a son with autism.

Exercise releases chemicals that bolster the brain's infrastructure.

Reading and math are the subjects most impacted by exercise.

Exercise improves executive function, which is linked to academic performance.

Inactivity is called the new smoking, with profound health consequences.

Obesity rates have doubled among children and tripled among adolescents since the 1980s.

Exercise is a natural way to address mild cases of depression and anxiety.

Regular exercise for children could save $62.3 billion in lifetime costs.

Physical education should be a fundamental right and required in every school.

Physical education teaches resilience, perseverance, and other character traits.

In the 1960s, schools rallied for fitness, and we can do it again.

Transcripts

[Music]

let's start with a pop quiz can you name

the only subject in school that promotes

physical and emotional health helps

children learn better and cultivates the

character that they need to be

productive adults yeah I think some

people out there got an a it's physical

education I believe that physical

education should be a core subject just

like math English science and history

but that's not the way it works today

all too often PE is treated as the least

important subject versus the most

important subject which is how it should

be children need to succeed of course in

academic subjects and by the way

exercise helps them do better in

academic subjects but principles of

health and fitness they are vital in the

truest sense of that word literally the

students lives depend upon it think

about it

if the student has trouble with math

maybe they won't be such good budgeters

if a student has trouble confusing and

adjectives with an adverb maybe they

won't be a great author or maybe they

don't understand the workings of a cell

they may not be a good biologist but if

a student doesn't understand the

principles of health and fitness they

risk chronic disease and an early death

so my vision is that every school should

provide every student with the

opportunities that will give them a

healthy start in life

and also with the education and skills

that will give them a fit lifetime

unfortunately in today's school system

there are not adequate resources that

are devoted to physical education

whether it's because of competing

priorities or whether it's because they

undervalue physical education the median

annual budget for physical education in

schools for an entire school is 764

dollars for the whole school for all

children that boils down literally to

pennies per pupil now there's there's

plenty of money for PE it's a matter of

priorities it's not a matter of

resources my wife Cindy and I 20 years

ago tried to address this issue and

change the narrative about physical

education we started a program that's

now called UCLA health sound body sound

mind

we put physical fitness equipment in

schools we have a curriculum we have

training for physical education teachers

today we're in 151 schools we impact

over 185 thousand children every year we

know the problem and the solution and

there's a lot more to be done locally

nationally and even globally we know

that robust physical education helps

children become better learners better

versions of themselves and better people

for tomorrow now I know the

transformative impact of exercise both

professionally and personally this is

our son Willie he has autism he's 31

years old he's thriving in a residential

home he works at Home Depot as you can

see he paints amazing seascapes it

wasn't always that way for many years he

struggled with behavioral issues my wife

and I were concerned about his weight

which had soared to over 220 pounds

that's a lot for her even a 6-footer

like Willie then six years ago

a wise member of Willie's care team said

let's have Willie do some exercise and

he went on a treadmill in the beginning

20 minutes

now he's ramped up to 2 hours a day he

runs in local races I've tried to run a

few with him I can't keep up with him

the results have been spectacular

Willie was diagnosed at the age of three

and for the last 20 years he has been on

meds and therapy of some kind but I'm

here to tell you ladies and gentlemen

that the best therapy the best med he's

ever had his exercise

now there's compelling evidence that

exercise helps your bodies and brains

first with with with respect to academic

outcomes

the Institute of Medicine found that

reading and math are the subjects that

are most impacted by exercise they also

found that reading and math require a

good executive function and they also

found that there's a link between a good

executive function and exercise even

moderate exercise seems to help quite a

bit

in neuroscience magazine a study

reported that a group of nine year olds

were given cognitive tasks and they in

some instances they walked beforehand

and what happened was there was

significant improvement in their

performance versus when they didn't walk

beforehand in Naperville Illinois eighth

graders were given a math test in cases

where they had thirty minutes of

vigorous exercise they performed 11 to

22 percent better it's clear even a

moderate amount of exercise goes a long

way so if you had just a slight change

in priorities a slight change in

resources there would be a substantial

change in learning by the by our

students dr. John Ratey

a Harvard neuroscientist explains why

this is so he says exercise releases a

cascade of neural chemicals and other

growth factors that bolster the brains

infrastructure dr. Ratey said exercises

miracle-gro for the brain he said

they're basically three reasons for this

first exercise optimizes your mindset

improving your alertness and your

motivation second exercise helps cells

bind together

which is a way that the brain holds

information and third exercise actually

helps create new nerve cells in the

hippocampus which is the Center for

learning and memory exercise it turns

out helps the brain structures in many

many ways let's talk about mental health

you saw what happened with our son

Willie the Mayo Clinic did a study where

they found that endorphins that are

released upon exercise you know they're

the the brain's neurotransmitters and

the feel-good effect it has an impact on

mild cases of depression and anxiety

it turns out that exercise is a low cost

effective natural way to deal with life

stressors think about socially these

days many of us spend a lot of time on

screens particularly students there's a

lot of loneliness that that scientists

are finding right now exercise addresses

that social aspect and the maturation by

having other people to workout with so

we have found more and more research on

covering how exercise helps the body the

mind and the emotions so we should

consider as well what happens when there

there is no exercise inactivity is

dangerous and widespread to the point

that Lancet Journal which is a respected

British Medical Journal has called

inactivity the new smoking now it's

clear that inactivity is a core cause of

obesity there's others whether it's a

sedentary lifestyle whether it's the

undervaluing of physical exercise

whether it's urban living whether it's

safety factors one thing is clear that

the incidence of obesity has exploded

it's doubled amongst children so

the 1980s during that same period

amongst adolescence it's tripled a third

of American children today are

overweight 14 million American children

are obese 14 million that is

unacceptable the impacts of obesity are

profoundly disturbing the World Health

Organization characterized several they

said that obese children tend to be

bullied at school they have low

self-esteem

they generally underperform in the

classroom and they have poor employment

prospects as adults not to mention that

the disease is that they become

susceptible to including hypertension

diabetes - these are two ailments that

used to be confined to adults no longer

did you know that the Centers of Disease

Control reported out that 40% of cancers

are linked to obesity 40% studies have

shown that childhood obesity inevitably

leads to adult obesity sadly it appears

that this generation of young people is

likely to have a shorter life span for

the first time than their parents Public

Health visionary dr. Jonathan fielding

has said and I paraphrase the results

are in younger people are not working

out they are in danger it's a it's a

pathway to chronic disease and early

death he said shockingly 19 year-olds

get no more exercise than 60 year olds

now ladies and gentlemen I'm 68 60s in

my rearview mirror normally I'd like to

be compared to a 19 year old but not

today

and if this picture isn't scary enough

the financial consequences are quite

high

Johns Hopkins researchers submitted a

report that basically said if you take

all children between the ages of 8 and

11 put them on a program of regular

exercise 25 minutes three times a week

which by the way is 20% of what is the

recommended amount the savings will be

sixty two point three billion dollars

over the course of their lifetimes

whether it be in lost wages or in

medical expenses so we're looking at a

massive health crisis what's the

solution well clearly one solution is

schools why is that well that's where

the children are that's where the

purpose is to train and to educate I

call physical education class the

low-hanging fruit on the fitness tree

children deserve to be literate in

physical fitness just like they do in

English or math they deserve to

understand the roles that nutrition and

fitness play and it's not just confined

to your bodies it's also has to do a

cognitive achievement mental and

emotional health and again studies have

shown that students who take physical

education are more likely to be able to

be active outside of physical education

class that will set a firm foundation

for fitness as they go into adulthood

special area of concern is low-income

schools Children's Defense Fund study

found that children in low-income

neighborhoods are nine times more likely

to be overweight

we know that in low-income neighborhoods

there's relatively few safe places few

affordable healthy

adoptions organized sports very

expensive so it may be realistically

that physical education in lower-income

neighborhoods is the only realistic

chance for those students to get any

exercise you know I think what strikes

me most is if physical education class

is the only class that benefits the body

the mind and the spirit this is not

breaking news this is ancient wisdom all

the way up to the present that there's a

fundamental connection between body mind

and spirit this is a timeless concept

that's being ignored today in the

educational establishment exercise

teaches exercise good for your body but

it also teaches resilience and

perseverance and a host of other

character traits that are necessary for

a life well-lived physical education

class is a practice field where these

character traits can be honed and

developed to have our children reach

their highest potential it's the adults

in the room that need to make the best

decisions for them in the United States

we enjoy one of the highest standards of

living in the world surely there's a way

to provide this gift for our children

it's not a matter of resources it's a

matter of priorities we did it in the

1960s when our schools rallied around

the call of President Kennedy for a fit

nation and we could do it again

President Kennedy said Fitness is a

vital prerequisite for America's fullest

realization of its potential it was then

and it is today so let me leave you with

a couple of thoughts it's well settled

in law and in the Constitution's of many

states that education is a fundamental

right shouldn't physical education be a

fundamental right what if physical

education was required in every school

in every grade in every year

for every child what if physical

education was considered the most

important subject in school if we really

care about our children and their future

shouldn't we do more I know what our son

Willie would say thank you

[Applause]