Health & PE teachers shape a healthy future for students

Queensland’s Health and Physical Education schoolteachers were today encouraged to take the lead in shaping a healthy future for Queensland students.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford officially opened the 2008 Brisbane conference of the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) Queensland which has as its theme – “Step Up: Shape the Future”.

“This conference enhances the professional development of health and physical education teachers and encourages them to take the lead in helping children become more active,” Mr Welford said.

“The Healthy Kids Queensland Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey indicates more than one in five Queensland children is overweight or obese, which is a great concern to us all.

“The level of physical inactivity of Queensland adults is also worrying – those meeting the recommended physical activity levels required for health benefits declined from 49.4 per cent in 1997 to 40.2 per cent in 2004.”

Mr Welford said physically inactive Australians were costing the health care system $1.5 billion gross a year—the second leading contributor to the overall burden of sickness in Australia, behind tobacco.

“Our Government is committed to supporting and promoting the health and well-being of Queensland’s young people and adults,” he said.

“I have nominated 2008 as the Year of Physical Activity to highlight the Government’s Smart Moves – Physical Activity Programs in Queensland State Schools which increases physical activity as part of the school curriculum.

“Engaging in physical activity at school improves students’ educational outcomes, supports their personal development and helps promote lifelong active lifestyles.”

Mr Welford said state school health and physical education teachers play a significant role in the Smart Moves program, which comes into effect this semester in state primary and secondary schools.

“We encourage all Queenslanders to take responsibility for their own health and that of their communities and guide and inspire children to enjoy healthy lives,” he said.

“Health and physical education teachers are helping to lead the way towards a healthier Queensland.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000