 Come Out & Play
What Moves U?
published: February 2008
By Sheri Collins, Contributing Writer
Email Author
For your body to be healthy, you have to keep your heart healthy, but how do you keep your heart healthy? February is American Heart Month, and according to the American Heart Association, kids should get at least 30-60 minutes of "physical activity" every day.
The good news is that "physical activity" can mean lots of different things. For some kids, it means participating in organized sports, such as soccer, football and baseball. For others it means skateboarding, bike riding, skiing, gymnastics, swimming or a long list of other things. You don't have to belong to a team or even have any special equipment; staying healthy can be as easy as going outside and playing tag with your friends. Even chores such as raking leaves, shoveling snow or mowing the yard, can "give your muscles a workout and get your heart pumping."
According to the Heart Association, exercise is important in controlling weight, reducing blood pressure, raising "good" cholesterol, reducing the risk of diabetes and some kinds of cancer and gaining self-confidence and higher self-esteem.
To help get the word out about the importance of exercise, the American Heart Association has teamed up with the National Football League (NFL) to create a new program called "What Moves U?" The program is being introduced at many schools or kids can sign up at www.whatmovesu.com. Tell them how you keep fit or send in a picture of your coolest move for the Web site. You can earn award points for physical activity and online participation. Award points can be used to earn cool prizes, including NFL merchandise and even trips to the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl!
The important thing is to find something you enjoy doing, keep your body moving at least 30 minutes a day and keep your body and your heart healthy!
By Sheri Collins, contributing writer.
Sources: American Heart Association, www.americanheart.org; www.whatmovesu.com.
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