NFL's Play60, It's All Fun and Games for Des Plaines Students!

Running, jumping and playing for one full hour is the basis for the NFL's Play60 program. This youth health and fitness campaign is focused on making the next generation of kids healthier by encouraging them to be active for 60 minutes a day. The Des Plaines Park District brings this free program to a different Des Plaines District 62 school every month on three consecutive Wednesday's. They schedule the program at a different school every month in order to reach each school in the district, including middle schools. In addition to activities, the children are encouraged to make healthier lifestyle choices like, eating healthy, staying active, avoiding harmful substances, and getting plenty of sleep.

Play60 was started in 2007 with a goal of helping to reverse the childhood obesity trend. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that childhood obesity rates, which have been climbing for more than 20 years, might be leveling off. Even if the halt in childhood weight gain is permanent, 33 percent of American schoolchildren are already overweight or obese, putting them at risk for weight-related health issues as they get older.

Students are excited to participate and look forward to the Park District team organizing activities after school. "Most kids don't care about statistics and don't think about what their future looks like at this young age, but they have heard of the NFL's Play60 program and understand that healthy living is important," said Joshua Cantres, Des Plaines Park District Athletic Supervisor. "Like most children, if you create an environment where kids will have fun while being active, they will participate with excitement," Cantres added.

The Park District team will continue the Wednesday schedule throughout the duration of the school year.

For more information about this and all of the Park District's programs and events, call 847-391-5700 or visit www.DPParks.org.