He Likes Them To Move It, Move It

NEA Today, Apr 2006 by Sharma, Ritu

Connecticut science teacher Douglas Haddad hits the airwaves and ground to get kids healthy.

STUDENTS JUMP around wildly in Haddad's classroom at Henry James Memorial Middle School in Simsbury, Connecticut, and it's not because of shoddy discipline. Rather, Haddad relishes bringing fitness concepts into his classroom. He can't help it.

Haddad is a former cardio-kickboxer, coach, and personal trainer who hits the Hartford, Connecticut airwaves regularly as the host of a radio program on health and fitness called "The Doctor Doug Show." The country's childhood obesity epidemic is a frequent topic. Haddad recently completed a dissertation on childhood obesity in which he stresses that teachers have to encourage students to get healthy.

"There's no excuse for poor health and fitness," says Haddad, who wrote the book Top Ten Tips for Tip Top Shape. "At school, we participate in many activities where the kids can find out the benefits of being fit." In his science classroom, students do hands-on experiments like measuring their heart rates after exercise. Brisk nature walks do double duty-lessons on flora and fauna, as well as a great workout.

It's not just the students benefitting from Haddad's fitness finesse. He helps fellow teachers and support professionals craft exercise and nutrition programs. They have to take a "no excuses" approach to their health though, Haddad says. "You can make anything happen. Just solve it like a problem."'

His tips for educators this month? Dodge April showers and get outside for walks, even if only for a few minutes. Boost protein in soups and salads by adding whole grains; fruits like figs and raisins; or legumes, such as lentils and kidney beans. -RITU SHARMA

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