News — The findings of a Women鈥檚 Sports Foundation (WSF) research team led by Ithaca College faculty member Ellen Staurowsky are shedding new light on the social and physical benefits that sports programs offer to girls and women. Released December 15 and entitled 鈥淗er Life Depends on It II,鈥� the study is a more comprehensive edition of WSF鈥檚 2004 report 鈥淗er Life Depends on It.鈥� Founded in 1974 by tennis great Billy Jean King, the WSF is a leading authority on the participation of women and girls in sports.
鈥淐ompiled from more than 2,000 studies examining the relationship between participation in sport and physical activity on the health of girls and women, 鈥楬er Life Depends on It II鈥� includes hundreds of new studies conducted in the five years since the 2004 report was released,鈥� said Staurowsky, professor and graduate chair of Ithaca College鈥檚 Department of Sport Management and Media. Staurowsky led a research team of seven experts from around the world in compiling the report.
鈥淗ealthcare is a central concern in the United States right now, and 鈥楬er Life Depends on It II鈥� sheds fascinating light on how important prevention can be to the health of our nation,鈥� said Jessica Mendoza, WSF president and Olympic gold medalist in softball. 鈥淪omething as simple and fun as regularly playing sports and being physically active from an early age can be a major factor in improving the health and lives of American women.鈥�
The key findings in 鈥淗er Life Depends II on It鈥� include:鈥� Even stronger data that physical activity in girls and women is critical for women鈥檚 health and well-being 鈥� Females participating in sports and fitness programs are at significantly lower risk for developing breast cancer, osteoporosis and depression鈥� Likewise, girls and women benefit socially from physical activity programs; they are less likely to smoke, do drugs and become teenage mothers鈥� Minorities and women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds generally participate less in athletics and fitness programs and suffer disproportionate health-related consequences
In addition to documenting the overwhelming evidence regarding the health benefits of sport and physical activity, a section of the report addresses emerging areas of research that deal with female athletes and sport-related injuries. Although more research needs to be done to better understand female athletes and rates of injuries, early findings suggest that coaches and educators should be aware of the different physiological needs of female athletes and tailor training programs accordingly.
鈥淭he five years of new studies and data included in this report lead to the conclusion that participation in sports and long-term physical and mental health in women are inextricably linked,鈥� Staurowsky said. 鈥淭he importance of participation in sports for girls, from an early age, and throughout their lives cannot be underestimated.鈥�
The executive summary and full study of 鈥淗er Life Depends on It II鈥� are available at .
About Ellen StaurowskyAn authority on gender equity, Title IX, and equal employment opportunity issues that apply to college sport, Ellen Staurowsky is also an expert on the exploitation of athletes, representation of women in sport media, and the misappropriation of American Indian imagery in sport. She has addressed more than 100 local and international learned societies, professional associations, and conferences on these topics. She has written numerous articles that have appeared in publications such as 鈥淢arquette Sports Law Review,鈥� 鈥淐hronicle of Higher Education鈥� 鈥渁nd Street & Smith鈥檚 SportBusiness Journal.鈥�
About the Women鈥檚 Sports FoundationThe Women鈥檚 Sports Foundation advocates for equality, educates the public, conducts research and offers grants to promote sports and physical activity for girls and women. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, the Women鈥檚 Sports Foundation builds on her legacy as a champion athlete, advocate of social justice and agent of change. WSF strives for gender equity and fight discrimination in all aspects of athletics. Its work shapes public attitude about women鈥檚 sports and athletes, builds capacities for organizations that get girls active, provides equal opportunities for girls and women, and supports physically and emotionally healthy lifestyles. The Foundation is recognized worldwide for its leadership, vision, strength, expertise and influence.
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