Healthy, Physically Fit Kids

The District of Columbia tops the nation in many social ills.  We have the highest rate of HIV/AIDS — 10 times the national average — with some 6,000 school-age children living with an infected family member.  Another 1,700 youngsters have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.  The District also has the nation's highest rate of teen pregnancy and the nation's most obese children.

What We're Doing

The best way to tackle these scourges is through education.  Earlier this year, the State Board of Education approved the city's first learning standards for health and physical education.  Rigorous and comprehensive, these standards reflect the input of dozens of local pediatricians, community groups, educators, parents and members of the public as well as the best practices from other States.  They are age appropriate, scientifically based and seek to promote healthful decisions and lifestyles rather than narrowly focus on gym class, team sports and sexual reproduction.

The Office of the State Board of Education and the DC State Board of Education were honored for these standards on June 26, 2008 by Metro TeenAIDS, a community-based nonprofit that trains student peer counselors, counsels and tests teens for HIV/AIDS and teaches hundreds of students about HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention in local schools each year.

Once I have a moment I'll find some useful tips on what people can do to help.  Your suggestions and comments are always welcome.