Children playing and going outside have been taken for granted due to all the technology they can access. The United Health Foundation reveals that only 18% of Georgia’s children, aged 6 to 17, meet the recommended daily physical activity levels. The American Heart Association (AHA), NFL Play 60, and HealthMPowers want to change these numbers. They’ll do that through 25 Million Minutes, a statewide challenge to get Georgia kids moving more. With in-person events scheduled throughout the year and methods to apply within school days, 25 Million Minutes wants to offer active answers for healthy habits in children for the future.
“Our goal is to champion healthy habits with our young people. Thirty minutes of daily physical activity can drive positive behavior and decrease discipline referrals in our students. We want to transform the environments in which they learn and play so they can grow into healthy adults,” said Shawna Scott—American Heart Association Vice President of Community Impact.
The 25 Million Minutes challenge kicked off Saturday, February 22, at the YMCA Villages of Carver. The challenge aims to unite Georgia families, schools, and community organizations to move a collective 25 million minutes in 2025. People can register online to participate in the challenge and track their time. Scott explains that 30 minutes a day is the recommended amount of time for exercise. If one commits to that five days a week, it culminates in 150 minutes of activity. If everyone who commits to the challenge does their time, 25 million minutes can be achieved.
“We’re hoping that the campaign draws attention to the fact that physical activity is something that you should build into your everyday schedule. You need not be on a sports team, be athletic, or join an expensive gym. There are plenty of ways to have fun and move your body to set a good example for kids in your lives. We want the kids to continue those healthy habits throughout adulthood,” said Jennifer Owens, CEO of HealthMPowers.
NFL Play 60, AHA, and HealthMPowers will provide tool kits online. The kit contains strategies for educators and youth leaders to incorporate 30 minutes of activity into the school day. Those who pledge to the challenge will receive resource kits that include a jump rope, a drawstring bag, a fitness watch, and a game locker. Educators and youth leaders will also have access to online training and active environments for their students. The active environments will be stationed at different YMCAs in Georgia.
The slogan for the challenge is Get Moving Georgia. That is the hope the organizers have for 25 Million Minutes. HealthMPowers celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The organization plans to get more Georgia families active to avoid the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. The risk of heart disease and obesity are some of those consequences. The vice president of community impact shares how some schools don’t have safe spaces for kids to play. Scott also discussed how children getting active will improve their brain function, classroom behavior and boost their academic performance. Another benefit is combating an isolation problem. Children lately have been at risk for depression and anxiety due to a lack of human connection.
“We are finding that if young people do not see a bright future for themselves or feel belonging where they are, they are less interested in their health. We’ve been doing so much to ensure that young people take control of their health. The more we see them lead initiatives like this, the better our outcomes are,” said Lewis.
What’s next?
Resource kits will be distributed at Zoo Atlanta on March 1. HealthMpowers intends to launch programming in 2025 to build youth leadership skills.
25 Million Minutes is a solution to an activity problem the organizers want to provide to Georgia locals. The AHA, HealthMPowers, and NFL Play 60 wish to illustrate how doing small steps can transform into big strides.
“Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools to improve heart health, mental well-being, and quality of life. 25 Million Minutes is more than a campaign; it’s a celebration of what’s possible when communities come together to prioritize physical activity,” said Scott.