Rhea named Healthcare Hero by Dallas Business Journal

Fort Worth, TX

10/9/2007

The Dallas Business Journal has recognized Dr. Debbie Rhea as a 2007 Healthcare Hero for her academic and research work with physical education. Dr. Rhea joined TCU in 1999 as an associate professor of kinesiology and has been instrumental in revolutionizing physical education for youth in the Fort Worth area. Since 2002, she has led a federally funded project in conjunction with TCU and the FWISD to fight obesity for children K-12.

"With the growing epidemic of obesity that includes our youth, we are in dire need of developing sound physical activity habits as part of our public school programming," said Dr. Joel Mitchell, chair of the kinesiology department, who nominated Dr. Rhea for the award. "The efforts of Dr. Rhea and others are an important step in this direction."

Dr. Rhea, kinesiology students from TCU, and health educators from the Tarrant County Public Health Department have been working with the FWISD on a new physical education curriculum. The new curriculum replaces traditional sports-based physical education with a lifetime fitness emphasis. It features intensive professional development and follow-up with teachers to ensure that they are able to help students understand and improve their physical being. It also breaks from the old-style of physical education of team sports and gym class.

Through her leadership efforts, adolescents are now exercising on treadmills, using dynabands, peddling stationary bikes, using heart-rate monitors, jumping rope, using aerobic steps, playing Dance Dance Revolution, playing Frisbee golf, participating in cooperative outdoor challenge course and climbing walls. This program is looking to have a major impact on childhood obesity by revamping physical education in ways not seen before, all with the enthusiasm and leadership of Dr. Rhea.

Dallas Business Journal's Healthcare Heroes is an annual award that recognizes excellence in the health care community from throughout the Dallas Fort Worth area.


Below are other stories on Dr. Rhea's research.