Bring Back Recess!

Sparking a Movement to Energize America: 10 Minutes at a Time

Instant Recess® is an evidence-based model designed to improve health & productivity by incorporating 10-minute physical activity breaks into the routine daily “conduct of business”–fighting the inactivity epidemic 10 minutes at a time. “Instant Recess is a call to all of us to get up and move. I’m betting that she [Dr. Toni Yancey] can convince anyone that moving more is not only good for health, but easy and lots of fun to do”  – Marion Nestle, PhD, Food Politics. Learn more here.

An Overview of ‘Soccer for Success’

U.S. Soccer Foundation | Soccer for Success.

Soccer for Success is the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s free soccer-based afterschool program that uses soccer as a tool to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles for children in under-resourced urban communities. The Foundation partners with community-based organizations across the country to operate Soccer for Success sites – providing thousands of children with free afterschool programming three times per week for the entire school year. 

London 2012 Olympics, Tribute to Athletes’ Moms

Being a mom is the hardest job in the world. But it’s also the best. These Procter & Gamble commercials honor everything that all moms do to help their children succeed by showcasing the amazing moms behind Olympic athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games. The hardest job in the world is truly the best job in the world.  Thank you, Mom.

Girls on the Run International – Enhancing Fitness and Esteem

Girls on the Run® is a life-changing, experiential learning programs for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Learn more.

Relay for Life, Champaign: June 9, 2012

American Cancer Society | 2012 Relay For Life of Champaign County IL.

No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay. Each dollar you raise will help save lives. How far will you go to make a difference in the fight against cancer? Your reasons for walking in the Relay For Life are as unique and special as the story that motivates you. This is your opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember people we have lost, but also to raise funds and awareness to help save lives. Learn more and sign up today!

May 19th – National Kids to Parks Day

PR Newswire | Calling All Families: Second Annual National Kids to Parks Day Set for May 19.

Hundreds of thousands will head to parks May 19 to celebrate National Kids to Parks Day and National Park Trust (NPT) hopes this official kick off to summer will help combat two disturbing national trends: park attendance is trending down and national obesity is trending up. Continue.

The Weight of the Nation: A Public Awareness Campaign on Obesity

NIH News | NIH Research Featured in HBO Documentary Series on Obesity.

The Weight of the Nation documentary series and public awareness campaign by the cable network HBO, launching this week, features National Institutes of Health research showing how obesity affects the country’s health and how interventions can turn the tide against obesity and its complications. Continue. 

National Bike Month

League of American Bicyclists | May is National Bike Month.

National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride. Whether you bike to work or school; to save money or time; to preserve your health or the environment; to explore your community or get to your destination, get involved in Bike Month in your city or state — and help get more people in your community out riding too! Continue.

American Cancer Society Encourages Physical Activity with Choose Play Campaign

Choose You | Choose play and help the American Cancer Society’s Choose You movement inspire 100,000 acts of physical activity this May. 

Being active is an essential element of maintaining a healthy weight and helping to reduce your cancer risk. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get active is by engaging in physical activity that feels like play! Set a goal to get at least 150 minutes of activity each week – like 30 minutes of hula hooping, dancing or fast walking five or more times per week. Being active on a regular basis helps reduce the risk of many different types of cancer, including breast, colon, endometrial, and others, and reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, too. Continue.

Go4Life – Physical Activity Campaign

National Institute on Aging | Find Your Starting Point.

We want to help you become more active, get the most from your activities, and do them safely. The key is to know your starting point and build slowly from there. Knowing where you are right now will help you pick activities that are realistic for you so that you can be successful. Continue.