Findings such as these point to the importance of the implementation of structured and organized physical fitness programs at schools and colleges.. The necessity and importance of improving physical education programs is also related to other facets affecting student health. This is made clear from a study entitled, Contribution of physical education and sport to health-related fitness in high school students (2005). In this study, health related variables of high schools students were compared. It was found that Reduced physical activity during childhood and adolescence represents a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Cross-sectional and longitudinal research has established a positive relationship between participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and increases in cardiovascular fitness, weight management, and reduction of adult-like risk factors such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and high blood pressure for chronic diseases. (Pitetti, 2005)

The above statement therefore highlights the important of physical education in terms of many other health factors. The research undertaken by Pitetti (2005) also suggests a number of recommendations related to the improvement of the present state of physical education. For example, one of the recommendations is that there should be"... An accumulation of at least 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week." (Pitetti, 2005)

This report also echoes a central finding that is repeated in many other studies of this nature. This refers to the fact that physical education and exercise is on the decline among America's youth. "Despite widespread knowledge about engaging in regular physical activity, levels of physical activity in U.S. adolescents (aged 14-18) decline with increasing age, with...

This has been accompanied by reports of a reduced emphasis on physical education program at schools and colleges in the country. Notwithstanding the fact that physical exercise on a regular and organized basis is essential for general student health, the fact that there has been an increase in obesity and a related decline in physical education programs, indicates that attention should be urgently given to the importance of improving physical education programs at schools and colleges.
Works Cited www.highbeam.com/Search.aspx?q=author:%5bDrane%2c+J.+Wanzer%5dDrane, J. Wanzer; www.highbeam.com/Search.aspx?q=author:%5bPaxton%2c+Raheem+J.%5dPaxton, Raheem J.; www.highbeam.com/Search.aspx?q=author:%5bValois%2c+Robert+F.%5dValois, Robert F. Correlates of body mass index, weight goals, and weight-management practices among adolescents. Journal of School Health; 4/1/2004. November 13, 2007. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-117323451.html

Pitetti K.H. Contribution of physical education and sport to health-related fitness in high school students. Journal of School Health; 1/1/2005. November 13, 2007. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-129354480.html

Pivarnik James M. And Pfeiffer Karin a. The Importance of Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents. Michigan Fitness Foundation. November 13, 2007. http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:BWrp3p8wXNwJ:michiganfitness.org/Publications/documents/Adolescents.pdf+Pivarnik+James+M.+and+Pfeiffer+Karin+a.+the+Importance+of+Physical+Activity+for+Children+and+Adolescents.&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=uk