Remaking K–12 Health Classes for a Healthier America

Remaking K–12 Health Classes for a Healthier America
Physical activity must evolve beyond dodgeball and humiliating fitness tests, writes David Mansdoerfer. Shutterstock
David Mansdoerfer
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Commentary

America’s kids are navigating a health crisis, and our outdated K–12 health classes aren’t helping. With childhood obesity at 20 percent, teen mental health issues doubling, and chronic diseases looming, the current curriculum—think food pyramids, anti-drug lectures, and awkward sex-ed—is woefully inadequate. It’s time to transform these classes with a Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) approach, empowering students with practical, science-based tools for lifelong wellness.

David Mansdoerfer
David Mansdoerfer
Author
David Mansdoerfer is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health and currently serves as an adjunct professor in health policy and politics at Pepperdine University School of Public Policy.