The Benefits of a Mandatory High School Health Class Essay Example

Everyone has had to take at least one physical education and health class in high school. I believe that it would be beneficial to have a health class with integrated physical activity every year. Not a gym course with sports, but one that includes different physical activities that could be continued after the course is over. Having this course would be advantageous to students in many ways. Firstly, it could improve their overall health. Secondly, they would be less exposed to potentially discouraging environments. Finally, with an improvement to the health course, its effectiveness would increase and teens would reap more benefits.

There are many preventable diseases and illnesses in the world, certain choices we make lead to them or reduce the chances of getting them. One way to prevent them would be with physical activity, which also comes with its own benefits. For instance, sedentary lifestyles, sitting for long periods of time daily, can cause major problems. The World Health Organization website gives examples of the effects of sedentary lifestyles in children, "Increased adiposity (weight gain), poorer cardiometabolic health, fitness, behavioral conduct/pro-social behavior, reduced sleep duration” (WHO). These effects mentioned are just the ones present in children. There are more effects for adults. Physical activity can help relieve these effects. Subsequently, a benefit of a health class with integrated physical activity would be the academic improvements. With more blood flow and oxygen to the brain, as well as the breaks from schoolwork, students would have a much more productive time in class. A 2017 academic study shows that cognitive function increases with physical activity. They show that classroom behavior, as well as students’ mental and physical health, will improve due to the breaks from academics. (Álvarez-Bueno et al.). This study demonstrates how, with integrated physical activity, students will be more successful. Consequently, it is easier to make healthier choices when people know more about health-related topics. Knowledge of health-related topics is called health literacy. Doctor Patrica Salber voices health literacy's importance wonderfully by saying, "Health illiteracy extends way beyond failure to follow doctors’ instructions. We may see our physician once or twice a year [. . .] But we, as individuals, make hundreds of decisions each day that favorably (or unfavorably) impact our health"(Salber). To create a healthier world, more people need to make better choices regarding their health. These health classes would promote healthier lifestyles and prepare students to make their own choices regarding health and physical activity.

On one hand, physical education is physically favorable for students, however, on the other hand, it simply needs to be physical activity to exploit the advantages. Some students would rather avoid the gym and change rooms for good reasons, namely exclusion and or insecurities. They may not feel comfortable changing with others due to body insecurities, and others may not feel comfortable with their level of personal fitness. This course would not be about anyone’s level of fitness or body size, but more about how to stay healthy. Additionally, exclusion in gym activities is a common occurrence in schools, especially those with unbalanced feeder schools, thus making others feel inferior. These may be more common in rural communities with tighter-knit groups. Nevertheless, with this course, there would not be any big group activities where people can be left out, more focus on personal fitness. While there are valid reasons to avoid gym class, I feel that a health class with integrated physical activity would be immensely valuable to students' health.

Finally, I believe that to require a health course with integrated physical activity for all four years of high school, there should be some improvements to the course. This health course would not include gym class as in sports and weights, but it would include different activities that students can do on their own at their own pace and level. The course would include first aid and food and nutrition, as well as all the usual topics. First aid is a really important skill and I believe that it should be prioritized more. I believe that students should be able to react safely to a medical emergency, they should be able to tell when they need to call for help. The healthcare industry is always adapting to the speed of new technology, so the course should be adaptable to new methods that have been proven to be better. The food and nutrition section should not be solely facts on food and nutrition but also on how to make a few simple meals that are good for the body. There are many benefits to a strong understanding of food and nutrition. The application of this understanding would be the basic life skill of preparing food, which is extremely important for a student’s health. A mandatory health course would be an asset to students and should be adaptable to new and better ways, thus giving students an opportunity to learn the best information to keep a healthy lifestyle.

In conclusion, having a mandatory health class with integrated physical activity during all four years of high school would actively improve students' physical and mental health. A physically active lifestyle is a proven advantage physically and mentally. Additionally, if you are health literate then you can make healthier choices. A health class, less exposed to potentially embarrassing or discouraging environments, would provide students with a better experience. The health and physical education course has its faults, but if we revise the curriculum, it will be beneficial for all students.