Hazelwood Elementary teacher Louise Palmer has been recognized as a National Champion of Education and Fitness for the 2012-13 academic year by Adventure to Fitness Company.

Palmer has been a leading physical education proponent in the state of Washington, challenging children to learn while exercising their minds and bodies with innovative classroom techniques.

As childhood obesity rates continue to rise she has been integrating fitness into her lesson plans, responding to the now-common nationwide calls for increased physical activity and personal health awareness among kids. e Palmer is one in a growing trend of teachers that have harnessed the power of technology and thematic learning to actively engage and motivate kids in their own health education.

In the classroom, her students participate in a program that combines academics with physical activity, while also cultivating the physical and mental skills they will need to maintain their well-being into adulthood. Leading educators have found that employing these integrated teaching methods help children make connections, solidifying healthier choices outside of school that reduce the occurrence of diabetes, heart disease, and other lifestyle-related ailments.

“Mrs. Louise Palmer and Hazelwood Elementary are among the pioneering educators focusing on ways to integrate children’s academic learning, health, and well-being. We commend their efforts and encourage other teachers and schools across the nation to follow their lead” said Colleen Henckels, Vice President of Marketing, Adventure to Fitness.

Adventure to Fitness is a children’s wellness company working to battle childhood obesity through fun, educational fitness in school and at home. The Adventure to Fitness Home Program complements the classroom resources, helping families learn how to stay fit, eat right, and be well through online educational fitness content and animated videos.