FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Health and Physical Education Teachers Face Obesity Epidemic with New Medicine: Physical Literacy

BEND, OR, October 12, 2017 – As World Obesity Day passes, newly released data shows the United States leading the world in childhood obesity. The World Obesity Federation said “[they] are calling on all governments, health service providers, insurers and philanthropic organisations to prioritise investment in tackling obesity. This means investment in obesity treatment services, early intervention and prevention.” This weekend over 200 health and physical educators, who reach over 100,000 students, will travel from all over the state for the 103rd Annual Oregon Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) conference to learn how to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic using a new approach called physical literacy.

The world’s leading expert on physical literacy, Dr. Dean Kriellaars (University of Manitoba Faculty of Health Sciences, a scientist of the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba), will be present to share his research. He will present “Physical Literacy: The Gateway for Active Participation” as the keynote to the conference in Bend on October 14, and provide a number of “how-to” sessions for participants throughout the conference.

According to Dr. Dean Kriellaars, “Physical literacy may be the gateway to active and safe participation in society, not only leading to reductions in obesity but many other non-communicable diseases (the world’s fourth leading cause of death). We have known for a long time the benefits of physical activity, but until recently may not have understood the key factors that lead to an active lifestyle—physical literacy may be the missing link.”

Immediately following the keynote address, Oregon SHAPE president Jennifer Bhalla, president-elect Adam Howell, and Dr. Dean Kriellaars will be available for interviews. Following this, Dr. Dean Kriellaars will facilitate a session in the afternoon that is available for photography and videography. Please see his schedule below.

• Saturday, October 14 – Keynote (8:30 am – 9:15 am) – Room Cascade A,B&J
  • Topic: Physical Literacy: The Gateway for Active Participation

• Saturday, October 14 Session (1:40 pm – 2:30 pm) – Room Cascade D
  • Topic: Creating a Quality Physical Literacy Experience in PE

The conference is being held at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes, 3075 N Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97703 on October 13 & 14, 2017. To learn more about the conference visit, www.oregonshape.org/conference-information/.

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About Oregon SHAPE

Oregon Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Association promotes healthy, active lifestyles for all Oregon school-age children and youth through professional development opportunities and advocacy. Oregon SHAPE is committed to fulfilling this mission through fostering a climate of mutual respect and cooperation among members and constituent associations in order to realize mutually beneficial outcomes.

Oregon SHAPE is an organization consisting of leaders from schools, community and public agencies, higher education, and private businesses who promote and support health education, physical education, and health promotion in school settings. We are dedicated to the health and fitness of Oregonians through quality programs in health education, physical education, dance, and athletics. For more information visit, www.oregonshape.org. Follow @OregonSHAPE on Twitter. Like us on Facebook.