2010 SDA-HPERA Convention—Documents & Images

Convention Brochure & Program

Download the 2010 Convention Brochure and Program PDFs.

Sessions

Worship

Dennis Plubell (Associate Director of Education-North American Division) drew lessons for life from the Inuit Indians of the arctic tundra. They built Inukshuk and Inunnguag stone monuments which were shaped to look like people. The purpose of these stone monuments were: 1) as warning signs; 2) to communicate direction; and 3) as monument markers, marking places of significance (i.e. good hunting or fishing locations). Relevance for today: 1) Commitment of time and resources to our young people; 2) Cooperation and collaboration; 3) Complementary diversity of strengths and perspectives; 3) Christian faith; 4) Philippians 2:5–7: “Christ Jesus—who being in very nature good—made himself nothing, being made in human likeness.” The conclusion was that we should partner with the Savior and help students reach their potential by our picking up stones where we are.

In Step for Life

Reg Burgess, founder of a walking program endorsed by the North American Division, discussed the particulars of the program and the health benefits of walking and physical activity.

New Facilities & Programs

Rob Thomas read an email from Ron Schafer (CUC) concerning the opening of their new facility on April 23, 2010. They will have tripled their exercise space with the renovation of the old building along with new construction. Dominique Wakefield (AU) talked about the offerings for degrees at Andrews beginning the fall 2010. They will offer a BS degree in Health and Fitness and a BHS in Wellness. These are in addition to the current offering of a minor in Fitness Education. Andrews has also revised the general education requirement for students. They are required to take Fit for Life and then 3 activity courses from at least two of the following three categories: Personal Fitness, Outdoor Activity and Team Activity. Phil Garver showed a video of the Hulsey Wellness Center.

The Impact of Health Instruction

Dr. Lynn Merklin of Andrews University presented her doctoral dissertation. Using the “Stages of Change” model she investigated whether instruction in the Fit for Life classes at Andrews University was effective at promoting healthy behavior change. From her findings she suggested that students were exercising more, eating a healthier diet, managing stress better and getting more sleep. A second part of the investigation contrasted how the delivery of the instruction impacted student’s decisions about health matters.

Trends in Fitness Level Among Male and Female
Andrews University Students between 1996 and 2008

Dr. Peter Pribis of Andrews University presented a longitudinal studies of the fitness scores of students taken from MicroFit testing. Some of his findings were: 1) bicep strength increased; 2) flexibility unchanged; 3) resting HR unchanged; 4) percent of body fat has increased (0.6% in women and 0.49% men); and 5) estimate of VO2 from Astrand’s bike ergometer test has decreased. Dr. Pribis concluded that there has been a slow gradual decline in physical fitness. Students entering college are more out of shape. During the college years the physical fitness level further declines.

Exercise Impact on Academic Achievement

Anna Piskozub, a masters degree student at Andrews University, presented a review of the literature on the relationship between physical and/or aerobic fitness and academic achievement. From her presentation she indicated that exercise: 1) positively affects brain function; 2) accelerates learning and retention; 3) increases realization of better test scores; and 4) can provide an immediate boost in learning. She offered the following as suggestions: 1) teach fitness not sports; 2) give students choices; 3) grade students on effort; 4) exercise interventions before hard classes; 4) incorporate exercise breaks into the classroom; and 5) intervene on those who are not necessarily fit.

Vitabot

Michael Graves presented information about an online meal planning system that health clubs can purchase for its members. The website allows the person to journal their food intake and then receive a complete nutritional analysis in the form of a report card. An added benefit of this website is the activity tracker that allows for the quantification of physical activity.

Photos

Dinner at Buca di Beppo.

Teacher of the Year Award

Newly voted in at the 2010 Convention. Award document coming soon!