WANT EVEN MORE HEALTHY IDEAS FROM SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
Are you ready to walk n’ roll?!
Every October, thousands of schools across America drum up some fun and excitement on Walk or Bike to School Day. It’s a rockin’ way for kids to get their 60 minutes of physical activity for the day. Plus, they can band together with friends and connect with their communities along the way.
The benefits of physical activity for children span far and wide. Regular physical activity not only helps reduce childhood obesity, it helps students strengthen and stimulate their brains. One study done by the Active Living Research Program showed that after just 20 minutes of physical activity, students test better in reading, spelling and math. Plus, they’re likely to read above their grade level. And that’s after only 20 minutes. Imagine how they’d test after getting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity.
AFTER 20 MINUTES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, STUDENTS TEST BETTER IN READING, SPELLING AND MATH.
Another study performed by the National Academy of Sciences showed that children who are more active are better able to focus their attention, are quicker to perform simple tasks and have better working memories and problem-solving skills than less-active children.
Improved concentration, better memory and higher test scores? Physical activity makes the grade.
Regular physical activity also strengthens the immune system, improves sleep and reduces stress. This results in fewer absences and disciplinary problems. Aside from improved physical and mental health, active students also gain valuable leadership and teamwork skills, as well as improved self-confidence and self-esteem.
Last year, thousands of students, parents and teachers participated in Walk or Bike to School Day, including hundreds of Oklahomans at more than 60 schools across the state. This year, Shape Your Future is encouraging even more students, parents and teachers to participate. Walk or Bike to School Day is an easy way for kids to get their recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, plus it advocates the need for policies and projects that support safe, active communities, like sidewalks, bicycle lanes, crosswalks and walking trails.
Shape Your Future is providing several ways participants can walk n’ roll on their way to school on October 5th:
START A WALK N’ ROLL BAND
On the way to school, bring the whole family along. Make the day a community event by inviting friends and neighbors to participate too. Or, see if your school has a walking school bus program. If they don’t, volunteer to start one! Learn more about how to get going at walkingschoolbus.org.
GO ON TOUR AROUND THE COMMUNITY
If you live too far from school or don’t have access to safe routes, designate a starting point for you and your family to park. Then, get the show on the road and walk or bike from there.
PERFORM AT SCHOOL
Host an event at your school, like a “walk n’ roll” parade. Have it during a school assembly, and let students become “walk stars.”
Get rockin’ today!
On October 10th, adults can join the movement too by walking or biking to work! Put your helmet on and put the pedal to the pavement on your way to work. It’s a great way for you to get your recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity. Plus you’ll avoid traffic jams and save money on gas!