ZUMBA STEP!!!!

Just released from Zumba home office. ZUMBA STEP is making its way. I'm all ready registered and ready to go. My training is in February. This is going to be a great new activity to incorporate into my Physical Education classes. A fusion of two great fitness workouts; Zumba and step aerobics. This is what the Zumba home office is saying about the program.

"Zumba^® Step

Take lower body workouts and calorie burning to new heights with Zumba^® Step, the newest Zumba^® program. Tone and strengthen glutes and legs with a gravity-defying blend of Zumba routines and step aerobics. Bring your students maximum results without losing the easy-to-follow fitness-party! "

This is something that I know our students are going to love! Check out the video link to see what its all about and learn what Zumba Step is all about.

The Dangers of the Drug "Molly"

Over the past two years whenever we get to our ATOD unit my students always have many questions about the drug called "Molly". All the students ask "what is it? What are the side effects?" It is a very very dangerous drug that many people have died on. CNN just released this past weekend an article called "9 things everyone should know about the drug Molly". Check out the link below to see the article and video that CNN posted.

CNN article: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/22/health/9-things-molly-drug/index.html?hpt=he_c2


CNN News Video Clip Blow

Anger Management

Right now my junior class is discussing the emotion anger. Anger often results from frustration. It is important to remember that the emotion of anger can always be dealt with appropriately. It is important to learn to recognize when you feel angry that way you can try to calm down before taking action or making a discussion.

Some ways of dealing with the emotion of anger would be talking to someone. Such as a trusted friend, parent, teacher or school counselor. Another method would be to blow off some steam in a positive way, such as; exercising, going for a walk or a jog. Another great idea would be to try something creative like writing a poem, writing a song or playing an instrument.

However, if you are having difficulty managing your anger in a positive way, feel like your anger is impacting parts of your life and effecting relationships then it would be time to talk with your doctor and school student services team for help. Remember it is always okay to ask for help. There are resources out there to help people deal with their anger in a positive way.

Some great resources for more information please visit.....

http://www.ncpc.org/topics/conflict-resolution/anger-management

http://www.teenagehealthfreak.org/anger

Eating Disorders

Its a New school year!!!!!!

The 10th grade Health classes are diving into thier first topic of the year which is unhealthy eating habits. The focus of the unit is eating disorders. We will be covering a few eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge eating. Some other great online resourses for futher information, please feel free to check out the links listed below.....
http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/problems/eat_disorder.html
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/body_image/body_image.html

Are you practicing Safe Sun?

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Now that the weather is getting warming and we are spending more time out in the sun you need to make sure that you are being safe while in the sun. Here are some tips on how to be safe while being outside from the skin cancer foundation website.

http://www.skincancer.org

·         Get in the shade

·         Stay away from the tanning beds

·        Wear protective gear. Examples: Sunglasses and a big rim hat

·         Use sunblock and reapply throughout the day.

·         Examine your skin ever month

·         See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

April is National Stress Awareness Month

It is very difficult to get away from stress in our lives. Not only adults but teens and children carry stress with them as well. There are both positive and negative stressors in each of our lives. An example of positive stress would be marriage or taking on a new challenge, such as going to college. These are exciting times in our lives however; it can result in added stress. There are also negative stressors that we need to deal with, such as giving a speech in front of a group of people or taking the SATs. Stressors are always around us, because of this you should be asking yourself: “Do I handle my stress in a positive way?”

The American Institute of Stress offers some stress tips, check out their link below

http://www.stress.org/

 

 

 

Trash- Can Ball

Trash-Can Ball

Trash-Can Ball is a really fun fast paced game. During this game students will be working on their throwing and catching skills while engaging in a high cardio activity at the same time. Check out the link below to see an example of the game in action. I will be modifying some of the rules to meet the needs of all my students. I know my classes are going to love this activity.

http://www.peuniverse.com/Videos/VideoDetail/tabid/221/IndexID/791/Default.aspx
 

Bokwa!!!

Over this weekend I went to get trained in Bokwa. Bowka is a relatively new fitness class that is now sweeping the nation. It has many followers in other countries and is now making its way into our east coast area. I was one of the few people in the first training class in CT. Check out the link for more information on Bokwa. I can’t wait to incorporate this cardio fitness class into PE. Get ready to “Sweat the alphabet and Draw the Digitis!”.  

What is BOKWA?:

http://www.bokwafitness.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=2

 

 

Teen Dating Violence Info

In junior health class today the topic of discussion is teen dating violence. We will be discussing the signs of abusive relationships along with what to do, where to go, who to talk to if them or someone they know is a victim or teen dating violence.  

Check out some of these great resources and information…

Awareness organization and cycle of abuse chart

 http://www.breakthecycle.org/what-is-dating-violence

Statistics, resources and other information…

http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teen_dating_violence.html

Phone numbers for help with teen dating violence…

http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/teens-and-dating-abuse/

Dangers of Inhalant Drug Use

Here is a link about the dangers and risks of inhalant drug use. Good website that includes the harmful side effects of using inhalants along with PSAs. Remember one time use of inhalants and you could die. Check out the site to learn more.  

Info on Inhalant drug abuse: http://www.inhalants.org/

Double Dutch Jump Rope

With a little extra time with the juniors this week, due to the schedule, they performed several different jump rope activities. I noticed some very creative and skillful ways to jump rope from our talented junior class. Many students choose to work on their cardio and burning some kcals by individually jumping rope for several minutes at a time. Others were also breaking a sweat/burning kcals by working cooperatively while performing the skill of Double Dutch.

Check out some of these Double Dutch all-stars photos...

ZUMBA!!!!!

The students this past cycle have been participating in different fitness type activities. One activity has been ZUMBA.

I am a licensed Zumba instructor and I hold all the specialty Zumba courses as well. I can’t wait to incorporate the specialties as well, such as Zumba toning : )

Zumba is a cardio fitness dance class set to international music. It is what I like to call “disguised fitness”. We have so much fun, get lost in the music and drenched in sweat. We work hard and have so much fun. For more information about Zumba check out the website. www.zumba.com 

 

 

Here is an example of zumba toning with the toning sticks. Next year I will be introducing the students to zumba toning!