(NewMediaWire) - April 22, 2024 - DALLAS — The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service, and the National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with its 32 NFL clubs, are challenging kids to get moving to support mental and physical health with the latest installment of NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break broadcast series leading up to the live Draft coverage from Detroit. On Thursday, April 25 at 1 p.m. ET/ 12 p.m. CT/ 10 a.m. PT the NFL PLAY 60 Draft Fitness Break broadcast will assist kids in getting their daily 60 minutes of movement through the free, 15-minute exercise program. The NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood.
The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, recommends that kids get a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day. Developing healthy habits and reducing sedentary behaviors in kids is key to immediate and long-term health benefits and can also play a role in the classroom. Physically active students tend to have better grades, cognitive performance, and classroom behaviors[1].
“At the American Heart Association, our future is all about improving yours. Working together with the National Football League on NFL PLAY 60, we’re excited to continue to support getting youth across the country moving towards a healthier and more active lifestyle,” said American Heart Association and American Stroke Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown. “Wellness education and lifesaving skills, such as CPR, are critical to help people across generations live longer, healthier lives.”
Rooted in American Heart Association science, the Fitness Break broadcasts help students learn more about how physical activity supports their overall wellness. In the upcoming NFL Draft broadcast, the Draft host team, the Detroit Lions, with appearances by the Atlanta Falcons, the Indianapolis Colts and mascots from around the league will get kids moving with exercise instruction and teach them about smart eating. Advanced registration by parents, teachers or school administrators for the broadcasts is required.
This is the third broadcast of the school year. The NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break Kickoff broadcast was held in September and the NFL Super Bowl Fitness Break took place in February. There will be a new suite of NFL PLAY 60 resources, including Fitness Break broadcasts, for the 2024-2025 school year. Students can also continue to use on demand NFL PLAY 60 resources to help them add movement to their day. The NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library features two-to-three minute on-demand exercise videos from each of the 32 NFL teams featuring players, NFL Legends, cheerleaders and mascots. And the NFL PLAY 60 app, available free for iOS and Android devices, allows users to select their favorite team and control personalized avatars onscreen with their own physical movement. Users can create custom workouts and earn special PLAY points and unlock cool NFL gear for on-screen PLAY 60 avatars.
“As proud partners of the American Heart Association, the NFL is excited to once again collaborate on the NFL PLAY 60 Draft Fitness Break to encourage students to reach the daily goal of 60 minutes of physical activity,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. “We hope the inspirational stories of this year’s Draft prospects will encourage students across the country to embrace healthy lifestyles to help them achieve their dreams.”
The NFL and the American Heart Association have been teaming up since 2006 to inspire kids through fun and engaging ways to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and available grant opportunities can be found online at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
Additional Resources:
- Multimedia is available in the right column of the release link.
- Spanish news release (To be added when available)
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About NFL PLAY 60
NFL PLAY 60 is the League’s national youth health and wellness platform. In its 18th season, the initiative empowers millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and provides support for programs and resources so that kids everywhere can lead a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the NFL’s 32 NFL clubs and partners, the PLAY 60 movement will continue to serve and motivate the next generation of youth to get active and PLAY 60. For more information, visit NFL.com/PLAY60.
For Media Inquiries:
American Heart Association: Linzy Cotaya: 504-872-3446; linzy.cotaya@heart.org
National Football League: Ian Martin, Ian.Martin@nfl.com
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
