During coronavirus, it feels more challenging than ever to get our kids up and moving, especially when they are seated in front of computers all day for remote learning. The American Heart Association and the National Football League want to help change that.
NY Giants quarterback Daniel Jones tosses a ball with kids in 2019. Courtesy NY Giants
As part of their NFL Play 60 initiative, the two groups have joined together to provide a free digital game plan to deliver physical activity programming for students. Powered by Go Noodle and Discovery Education, NFL Play 60 offers everything from video content and classroom curriculum to family challenges and an interactive app. So whether your child is back to in-person learning, fully-remote or hybrid, this is a free and easy way to incorporate physical activity every day, which is vital not just for kids’ physical health but also their mental health.
“Now more than ever, it is important for kids to have the resources to stay active and healthy, said David Finkelstein, MD, FACEP, CHCQM, director of physician advisor services and volunteer, American Heart Association. “Kids who are active have better bone health, physical fitness, brain function, attention and academic performance.”
Sadly, most kids do not get the recommended 60 minutes of active play a day, and during COVID when many kids are indoors all day and online, the task of getting and keeping kids moving has become even more difficult.
Parents can find ways to get their kids more active at heart.org/nflplay60, and through the free NFL PLAY 60 app. The benefits of physical activity include more than just maintaining a healthy weight – kids who exercise tend to sleep better, cope with stress better and have overall higher levels of wellness that extend into all areas of life.
The NFL and the American Heart Association have teamed up for Play 60 since 2006. Thinking about downloading the app? Let us know your favorite ideas for incorporating movement into daily life during this unusual time.