The statistics are disturbing: steadily rising numbers of sedentary overweight children and obese teens, and a generation looking at a shorter life expectancy than their parents'. But while it may be obvious that physical fitness benefits both the mind and body, a growing research base is supplying evidence of why this is so, and how these benefits may be reproduced in greater numbers. Physical Activity Across the Lifespan makes a clear, scientific case for exercise, sports, and an active lifestyle in preventing illness and establishing lifetime health habits at both the individual and the population levels. The book focuses on key aspects of physical/mental well-being-weight, mood, and self-regulation-and the role of physical activity in public health and school-based interventions targeting these areas. Contributors review definitional and measurement issues salient to understanding what physical activity is, to analyzing benefits of participation, and to implementing effective interventions. Also addressed are limitations of current research, steps needed to continue building the field, and emerging therapeutic possibilities for activity, such as the role of rough and tumble play in preventing ADHD. Included in the coverage: Physical activity, cognition, and school performance. The influence of social and built environments on physical activity in middle-aged and older adults. Preventing and treating obesity through physical activity. Physical activity in preventing drug use and treating chemical dependence. Antidepressant properties of physical activity. Schools as a foundation for physical activity and an active lifestyle. Physical activity as an adjunct or booster to existing interventions. Physical Activity Across the Lifespan is an innovative text for researchers and practitioners in various disciplines including health promotion/disease prevention, child and school psychology, education, health psychology, and public health, as well as program developers and policymakers in these areas.

The statistics are disturbing: steadily rising numbers of sedentary overweight children and obese teens, and a generation looking at a shorter life expectancy than their parents'. But while it may be obvious that physical fitness benefits both the mind and body, a growing research base is supplying evidence of "why" this is so, and how these benefits may be reproduced in greater numbers.

"Physical Activity Across the Lifespan" makes a clear, scientific case for exercise, sports, and an active lifestyle in preventing illness and establishing lifetime health habits at both the individual and the population levels. The book focuses on key aspects of physical/mental well-being-weight, mood, and self-regulation-and the role of physical activity in public health and school-based interventions targeting these areas. Contributors review definitional and measurement issues salient to understanding what physical activity is, to analyzing benefits of participation, and to implementing effective interventions. Also addressed are limitations of current research, steps needed to continue building the field, and emerging therapeutic possibilities for activity, such as the role of rough and tumble play in preventing ADHD.

Included in the coverage:

Physical activity, cognition, and school performance.

The influence of social and built environments on physical activity in middle-aged and older adults.

Preventing and treating obesity through physical activity.

Physical activity in preventing drug use and treating chemical dependence.

Antidepressant properties of physical activity.

Schools as a foundation for physical activity and an active lifestyle.

Physical activity as an adjunct or booster to existing interventions.

"Physical Activity Across the Lifespan" is an innovative text for researchers and practitioners in various disciplines including health promotion/disease prevention, child and school psychology, education, health psychology, and public health, as well as program developers and policymakers in these areas."

In preparation for role-play during a RIPP class, 6th grade students consider the following conflict situation: Sharon and Josie, who are good friends, tryout for the basketball team. Josie makes the team, but Sharon does not. The week after tryouts, Sharon tries to pick a fight with Josie, calling her a "cheater" and "some one the coach felt sorry for. " Josie is in a bind; she wants to remain friends with Sharon, but she is really angry with Sharon for treating her so badly. What can Josie do in this situation? What type of self-talk will help her work out this prob lem with Sharon and keep the friendship? During the role-play, Sharon calls Josie a cheater. Then, before Josie re sponds, two students representing her positive and negative sides take turns whis pering into her ear. Negative self-talk: "Boy, is she a loser! What if everyone believes her and thinks that I cheated to get on the team?!" Positive self-talk: "I know I worked hard to get on the team! Sharon must really be hurt that she didn't make it. I can talk to her later when she's cooled down, and maybe we can do something together after practice. " Josie listens to the two voices, and decides that the best approach is to ignore Sharon's comments for now and to call her later that day to see if they can do something together. This description of students dealing with everyday conflicts is quite real.

In preparation for role-play during a RIPP class, 6th grade students consider the following conflict situation: Sharon and Josie, who are good friends, tryout for the basketball team. Josie makes the team, but Sharon does not. The week after tryouts, Sharon tries to pick a fight with Josie, calling her a "cheater" and "some one the coach felt sorry for. " Josie is in a bind; she wants to remain friends with Sharon, but she is really angry with Sharon for treating her so badly. What can Josie do in this situation? What type of self-talk will help her work out this prob lem with Sharon and keep the friendship? During the role-play, Sharon calls Josie a cheater. Then, before Josie re sponds, two students representing her positive and negative sides take turns whis pering into her ear. Negative self-talk: "Boy, is she a loser! What if everyone believes her and thinks that I cheated to get on the team?!" Positive self-talk: "I know I worked hard to get on the team! Sharon must really be hurt that she didn't make it. I can talk to her later when she's cooled down, and maybe we can do something together after practice. " Josie listens to the two voices, and decides that the best approach is to ignore Sharon's comments for now and to call her later that day to see if they can do something together. This description of students dealing with everyday conflicts is quite real.