Educated Stars of Tomorrow Launches Brainstorming

     Athletics at all levels is increasingly in the news-bearing both positive and challenging messages and images of our culture.  A recent article in the Atlantic Monthly The Shame of College Sports took a provocative look at the experience of college athletes in big time athletic programs at US colleges and universities.  While the Atlantic article takes on the issue of whether college athletes should be paid for play, the real tragedy of lost scholarships, social isolation and crushing health problems is more than subtext.

     The role of athletics in decreasing health risk behavior is sketchy.  Some studies show that participation in sports reduces risk behaviors like substance use and teen pregnancy. . .on the other hand that it promotes bullying and violence, heavy drinking, and eating disorders.  An important agenda for research and interventions for this population and the adults who guide them is emerging.

     If you have been following Prevention Educators, you are aware that Circa Learning and Educated Stars of Tomorrow have partnered to develop a health and wellness program  to identify the academic, physical, social-emotional, and civic factors that should be addressed to promote health in students who are athletes.  The first stage of this project - engaging stakeholders to identify the unique risk and protective factors for middle, high school and college students who are athletes - has been launched.

   Share Your Ideas with us about what these young men and women need to achieve optimal health.