Furman University Professor, Julian Reed, Tackles Childhood Obesity with New Book

April 7, 2009

GREENVILLE, SC – April 7, 2009 – Julian Reed, an associate professor of health and exercise science at Furman University, has written a book about ways that elementary school teachers can help their students become more physically fit while they are in the classroom.

“Active Education: Lessons for Integrating Physical Activity with Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies” was recently released by Nova Publishers.  In the book, Reed argues that incorporating physical activity into the classrooms can make students more physically fit and enhance the learning environment.

Participation in regular physical activity is missing from the lives of almost half of America’s youth, and about 25 million adolescents are approaching obesity, research shows.

Many school districts are abandoning P.E. and recess periods as they look for more time to prepare youngsters for standardized testing under No Child Left Behind.  Ironically, regular physical activity could help boost the test scores by improving concentration and memory.

The book shows elementary school teachers how to include movement in math class, for example, and simultaneously improve the academic performance and health of their students.

Reed, who has presented research papers at more than 40 regional, national and international conferences, is also an affiliate of the Prevention Research Center and adjunct professor in the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina.  A graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, he holds a master’s degree from the University of Miami and a Ph.D. from the University of Northern Colorado.

For more information, go to www.novapublishers.com or call the Furman News and Media Relations Office at 864-294-3107.