November 30, 2019

Overweight America

Do you weigh more than you did years ago? Millions of Americans have packed on extra pounds. An obesity researcher shares the facts and what we can do to shed the extra weight. Then, teaching students to read with comprehension is vital. We’ll have tips from an expert instilling a love of reading in kids.

Episode Segments:

America's Issue with Obesity Recent government data shows that since the late 1980s and early 1990s, the average American has put on 15 or more additional pounds without getting any taller. Anthony G. Comuzzie, PhD, obesity researcher and scientist with the Department of Genetics at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio explained why this is such a grave health concern. He also discussed potential causes and solutions to the nation’s epidemic of obesity.
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Reading Reconsidered Literacy and education expert Doug Lamov, co-author of Reading Reconsidered: A Practical Guide to Rigorous Literacy Instruction discussed the importance of teaching students to read with precision, rigor, and insight. He explained how Common Core curriculums are affecting reading programs across the country. He believes that most students are not given challenging enough assignments. He also offered suggestions for parents who want to instill a love of reading in their children.
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Meditation and the Brain James Kingsland, Science Production Editor of the London newspaper “The Guardian,” author of Siddhartha's Brain: Unlocking the Ancient Science of Enlightenment discussed the latest research by leading neuroscientists and clinical psychologists that suggests that mindfulness practice reconfigures the brains. He said meditation can make people healthier and happier, and that it can help treat stress, chronic pain, hypertension and substance abuse.
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Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Doug Lemov Doug Lemov is the author of Teach Like a Champion, coauthor of Practice Perfect, and coauthor with Erica Woolway and Colleen Driggs of Reading Reconsidered. In addition to his work studying teachers he is the front man in the nation’s foremost Kenny G cover band. His favorite words are "Huzzah" and "Yam." Teach Like a Champion