[Physiology First] A Curriculum for Mental and Physical Health w/ David Bidler, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #765
Sep 18, 2024
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David Bidler, President of Physiology First, leads a conversation with health education advocates Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash. They discuss the urgent necessity of combining mental and physical health in education. Topics include the empowering role of physical activity in alleviating anxiety, innovative strategies for engaging youth in health education, and redefining food as fuel for ambitions. The guests share inspiring stories and practical techniques to cultivate resilience in young people, emphasizing a holistic approach to wellness.
Programs like Physiology First strive to teach children about nutrition and exercise, empowering them to make informed health choices.
Integrating physical and mental health education is crucial in addressing rising youth mental health issues through a holistic approach.
Experiential learning activities such as strength training and breath work engage students in real-life scenarios to manage stress and anxiety.
Deep dives
Building Healthy Habits in Children
There is a critical need for developing healthy habits in children, particularly in light of the rising health issues they face today. Many kids lack the basic knowledge of how to maintain physical and mental well-being by the time they reach adulthood. Programs like Physiology First focus on teaching children about nutritious eating, effective workout routines, and the benefits of physical activities like cold exposure and sauna use. This proactive approach aims to empower children with the understanding and tools necessary to make healthy choices as they transition into adulthood.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Education Program
A comprehensive education program integrating physical and mental health is essential to combat the alarming rise in youth mental health issues. By teaching students about the physiological aspects of anxiety and depression, they can develop a more nuanced understanding and skills to manage these conditions. The program encourages movement as a fundamental part of learning and personal development, emphasizing that mental health should not be treated in isolation from physical health. This holistic view fosters a healthier generation capable of overcoming the challenges of contemporary life.
Teaching Through Experience
Real-life experiences are incorporated into educational frameworks to engage students actively in their learning. For instance, students are placed in scenarios where they can physically feel and manage their anxiety through practical exercises, thereby demystifying abstract concepts. Activities like strength training, breath work, and engaging with community mentors create an environment where students not only learn about health but also practice it. This experiential learning equips them with the tools to manage stress and anxiety effectively in various aspects of their lives.
Addressing Disordered Eating in Youth
The correlation between nutrition education and the troubling trend of disordered eating among youth is a pressing issue. Many young people struggle with unhealthy eating behaviors due to a lack of understanding about how to properly fuel their bodies, especially in sports contexts. By emphasizing nutritious eating as a means to enhance performance and well-being, programs like Physiology First aim to reshape how youth perceive food from a source of pleasure to essential fuel for physical and mental growth. Educating children about their nutritional needs can lead to significantly healthier attitudes toward eating.
Creating a Supportive Community for Growth
A supportive community environment is vital in helping young people feel safe and encouraged to embrace challenges. Activities that promote intergenerational mentorship allow older peers to inspire younger participants, fostering resilience and connection. Youth engaged in a culture of physical and mental development report increased confidence and a drive to seek out challenges. By building a network that thrives on support and shared growth experiences, programs contribute to personal and communal well-being.
David Bidler is the President of Physiology First-an organization dedicated to teaching the science of health and human potential to youth and families around the world.
Through partnerships with schools, free programs for youth, and the online Physiology First University platform David and his team are dedicated to creating a revolution in health education for the next generation.
Physiology First built their flagship campus for community health and fitness education in Freeport, Maine in 2019. Physiology First is preparing to launch their next campus in the town of Sale, U.K on September 7th!
David and his team are training coaches, educators, and healthcare leaders around the world through the Physiology First Certification Program to bring the Physiology First Approach to their communities!