Activities: Health and Fitness

The American Heart Association reports that increased physical activity has been associated with an increased life expectancy and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.  Physical activity produces overall physical, psychological and social benefits. Inactive children are likely to become inactive adults. Physical activity helps with

• controlling weight
• reducing blood pressure
• raising HDL ("good") cholesterol
• reducing the risk of diabetes and some kinds of cancer
• improved psychological well-being, including gaining more self-confidence and higher self-esteem 

One of the main initiatives of the US National Girl Scout Association is to improve the health, fitness and self-esteem of girls. Look below for information about badges and activities that support these health goals.

Girl Scout Links and Resources:

• Girl Scouts Weighing In Research report

• In the Zone: Living Drug Free. Age-level booklets with facts, stories, and activities to encourage sound decision-making and healthy behaviors.

• Strong Bones, Strong Girls. Booklet and video project that encourages girls 9 to 12 to increase calcium consumption and physical activity to build and maintain strong bones.

• uniquely ME! The Girl Scout/Unilever Self-Esteem Program. Facts, quizzes, and activities to help girls 8 to 14 foster self-esteem. Topics cover body image, nutrition, and positive thinking.

Girl Scouts Badges/Programs:

• GirlSports badge

  • all ages/levels of Girl Scouting

  • over a 3 month period, your troop should complete a set number of hours of physical activity plus learn about nutrition and the benefits of physical activity
    
    
• Girl Scout - American Volkssport Association Master Program Patch
  • all ages/levels
  • participate in 12 walking events over one calendar or school year
     
• Girl Scout Safety Award
  • all ages/levels
  • girls work on projects that develop their safety skills and increase their understanding of what it means to be safe
     
• Badges for Brownies: Dancercize, Eat Right Stay Healthy, GirlSports Basics, Healthy Habits, My Body, Outdoor Adventurer, Senses, Sports and Games
   
• Badges for Juniors: GirlSports Fit & Fun, Adventure Sports, Becoming A Teen, Being My Best, Court Sports, Dance, Field Sports, First Aid, Food Power, A Healthier You, Healthy Relationships, High on Life, Highway to Health, Hiker, Let's Get Cooking, Outdoor Fun, Sports Sampler, Stress Less, Swimming, Walking for Fitness, Winter Sports
   
• Badges for Cadettes/Seniors: The Food Connection, High Adventure, On the Court, On the Playing Field, Rolling Along, Sports for Life, Water Sports, Women's Health

Related Links:

• American Heart Association (preK-8 grade information and activities)
  http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3003357

  • Jump Rope for Heart program

  • Hoops for Heart program
     

• American Volkssport Association (Walking club)
  http://www.ava.org/
  • 
    
• Game Face: What does a female athlete look like?
  http://www.gamefaceonline.org/
   
• Girls Health (US Department of Health and Human Services)
  http://girlshealth.gov/
   
• USDA Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Americans
  http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines
   
• President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Award Program
  http://www.presidentschallenge.org/
   
• American Dietetic Association
  http://www.eatright.org/Public/
   
• Healthy Youth (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)
  http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/healthtopics/index.htm
   
• Women's Sports Foundation
  http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/
   
   
• Nutritional Information
  http://medassisting.org/learning-resources/foundational/#Nutrition
  


• Partnership for a Drug-free Kids
  http://www.drugfree.org/