Letter From the Editor
Exercise in Schools Is Not A Luxury, It’s a Necessity
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So when the state Board of hen I was in elementary Wood Johnson Foundation, Education recently approved school, we had recess Kentucky ranked third in the a proposal that would require twice a day, every day. number of children ages 10 to 17 schools to calculate and record a About mid-morning, we would considered obese at 21%. child’s body mass index (which break for 20 minutes and go Mississippi was first (nearly 22%) relates to body fat), I wondered outside to play. After lunch, we and Georgia second (21.3%). when the Board would also would enjoy another 20 minutes of As our children matriculate mandate recess, playtime, recess. through school, physical activity movement classes and the like for Our play was not directed or disappears from the curriculum. supervised by adults. By the time students reach Kentucky ranks third in the 10th grade in Fayette County My friends and I decided every day what we would U.S. in the number of children public schools, they can play and how. avoid exercise all together. ages 10 to 17 considered obese. So basketball would be I would argue that on the agenda for a time eliminating physical activity all K-12 students. before we switched to kick ball or from school is as dangerous as Kentucky kids need such a tag or just running races. nixing math and science. mandate. These breaks were the best time As the numbers above make In a 2010 study by the non-profit of the day, and the wisdom of clear, exercise is not a luxury – it’s public advocacy group Trust for allowing kids free, unstructured a necessity. America’s Health and the Robert playtime is worth heeding. Especially for our children. Y
Editor John Lynch Advertising Kristi Boss Lindsay Emmerich Glenda Isaac Gary Mazza Marketing & Promotions Laurie Evans Graphic Design Daniel Morgan Office Manager Carla Hall
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Publisher Dana Tackett
Cover Photography Robin Allen Photography
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Short Stuff Camp Fair & Writing Contest; LCT Flips the Script; Better Bites Needs a Slogan; plus Recipe and Moms Who Make a Difference Heading to Camp Questions you need to ask the staff before sending your children off to camp
departments 6 / ShortStuff 12 / Recipe of the Month 28-41 / Calendar 44 / Dr. Graebe 45 / Pediatric Corner 46 / KU Scholar Athlete
Spring Break Camp Great local places for kids to spend their spring break. Changes in Autism Will changes in the autism diagnosis limit access to programs? Keep It Real Winners of the annual video contest are announced.
Lexington Family Magazine
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On the Cover Lisa Kazami, 6, daughter of Chinami and Ryotaro of Lexington, is ready for springtime.
Photo by Robin Allen Photography