Physical Educators To Convene In Springfield Tackling Problems Of Child Obesity And Poor Nutrition

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Feb. 1, 2004 -- As obesity reaches epidemic proportions in the United States and, at the same time, public budgets that support physical education programs shrink, more than 1,000 professionals in physical education, recreation, health, and dance from 13 northeastern states will convene in Springfield Feb. 10 through 12, 2005.

The 2005 Eastern District Association (EDA) Convention of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield will include more than 150 programs for professionals in these fields to increase their skills in encouraging physical activity and good nutrition for students.

According to Springfield College Assistant Professor of Physical Education Deborah A. Sheehy, member of the EDA Convention Planning Committee, “The need for effective physical education never has been greater. Obesity and poor diet cause more than 300,000 deaths per year in the United States. Obesity-related diseases cost our economy more than $117 billion annually. Physical education is critical in students’ formative years when they adopt lifetime fitness habits.”

This convention will offer a wealth of the latest information for professionals in health and fitness including presentations by leading experts. The range of techniques for physical education teaching and results measuring, as well as the variety of new equipment grows constantly,” Sheehy said.

Registration and convention program information is available at the door or in advance by calling Sheehy (413) 748-3467 or online at www.aahperd.org/districts/eda. For members of AAHPERD or the Massachusetts Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, full convention fees are $150, and $40 for full time students and retired members; daily fees are $120. There is an additional $10 discount for members of both organizations. For non members, the full convention fee is $275 and the daily fee is $205.

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