PHOENIX – Today, The Suns Gorilla, Mercury mascot, Scorch, and kids from Garfield Elementary helped to launch a new tool to fight obesity in the classroom. “Join the Challenge” is a fun, interactive video produced in partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), Phoenix Suns, Mercury & Univision Arizona to offer educators a new option in keeping kids active.
“There is no doubt that there is a close relationship between health and education,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director for Maricopa County Department of Public Health. “In fact, according to a CDC study, having brief classroom physical activity breaks is associated with improving attention and concentration in subjects like math, reading, standardized test scores.”
Through the help of the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) grant, this video will be offered to at least 200 low income schools in Maricopa County as another option to assist educators in helping kids stay active and healthy in the classroom. All schools and parents are welcome to download the video at www.WeArePublicHealth.org.
The 40 minute video is split into 10 minute low impact routines that kids can do easily in the classroom, at home or during after school programs.
“The Suns and Mercury are excited to partner with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and Univision for the ‘Join the Challenge’ project,” said Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury President, Jason Rowley. “It is our collective goal to battle obesity by encouraging students across the Valley to be active and live healthy lifestyles.”
This workout video will be first released in schools in November. A link to the video can be found at WeArePublicHealth.org.