image002(1)Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963.

Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. There are also psychological effects: Obese children are more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image and depression. And excess weight at young ages has been linked to higher and earlier death rates in adulthood.

Studies have proven that physical activity produces overall physical, psychological and social benefits.

That’s why the National Football League and the American Heart Association have teamed up to create the NFL PLAY 60 Challenge, in select Florham Park, Madison and New Vernon middle schools. The six-week long program that inspires kids to get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day in school and at home. It also helps schools become places that encourage physically active lifestyles

This program allows students to track their exercise and progress in fun and engaging ways.

FIND OUR MORE: www.heart.org/nflplay60challenge.