Active Kids, Thriving Communities: Connecting The Dots for Physical Activity

Grace hosts Dr. Amy Bantham and Dr. Johann Iserthal in this episode, two leading voices in physical activity, youth sports, and public health. Together, they explore the critical challenge of physical inactivity among children and its long-term societal impact. They discuss the alarming statistics around physical literacy, including how 90% of children cannot perform fundamental movement skills like kicking or throwing and the systemic barriers contributing to this crisis. Amy shares insights from her extensive public health and advocacy career, emphasizing the importance of coalitions, public policy, and community-level interventions to address inactivity. Johann dives into the role of technology and science, highlighting his work with Move Ahead, a platform that uses computer vision and neuroscience to develop motor skills and engage kids in active screen time. The discussion touches on the pivotal role of teachers, healthcare providers, and parents in fostering physical literacy and the gender disparities influencing activity levels. They highlight the need for scalable, evidence-based solutions that empower communities and bridge gaps between research and practice. The episode concludes with reflections on leadership, practical advice for emerging professionals, and a call to action for collaborative efforts to redefine movement, engage young people, and create a healthier, more active society.

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