Subject:  Testimonial

    For 24 years as a practicing physician I was able to witness the many aspects of people's lifestyles that contributed to their illnesses.  Many negative habits are developed at an early age.  I have always felt that the forces of health care need to calibrate with educators on elementary and secondary school campuses to do more to help the children of this country be aware of what a healthy lifestyle is, and to help them develop the habits, attitudes, and behaviors needed to carry out that lifestyle into adulthood.
 
When I read about the "new PE" program in the May 2, 2000 issue of USA Today.  I wanted to know more.  I was able to arrange a visit with Mr. Lawler at Madison Junior High School.  I was thrilled with the philosophy and functioning of the overall program.
 
    There were many powerful aspects to this program.  The philosophy recognizes that physically healthy and conditioned students are also better learners.  The program is democratic, emphasizing the conditioning of every child, not just those with athletic skills.  Children were monitored to assess effort and performance.  The fitness profile provided the critical continuity and feedback the students need for knowing their status.
    This is a program that we are beginning to mimic in our local setting.  Our local university has just received a $50,000 grant to work with the elementary and secondary schools to enhance physical education.  A program in physical education is being developed to have students use BMI-for Age growth charts to help them to determine it they are at a healthy weight.
    The program at Madison Junior High and others like it is what every child in America needs and deserves.  It provides the interventions that are preventive, population focused, and collaborative with health care.  With health costs rising dramatically, we need more aggressive implementation of the "new PE."

Michael J. Kretz MD
 
 
 

    "Mr. Lawler, everything I see is world class.  You are incorporating the health care concepts of prevention and wellness into your physical education program in the best way possible.  You will end up saving more lives through your profession as a physical education instructor that I will ever be able to do as a physician.  Please make physical education teachers throughout the country aware of the immense effects their efforts can have in developing a healthier population.  Thanks for allowing me to visit!"
 

Dr. Michael Kretz