The passports are used to motivate the children to continue to engage in and track healthy activities through next April. Each time they visit a Ward 7 or 8 Recreation Center and Heat Haven they get a sticker. To motivate the children to continue to participate, prizes and special outings are being offered!
A day full of fun and educational activities, Recess by the River empowers D.C.’s kids to lead stronger, healthier lives. Presented by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Recess by the River is an annual event thrown by the American Heart Association with support from D.C. Parks and Recreation and National Association of Teen Fitness and Exercise. This kickoff event will engage over two hundred kids from Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8 in the District. Due to D.C. having one of the highest Child Obesity ratings, Recess by the River plays an integral part in giving kids a second chance at a long healthy life.
· In the District of Columbia, over 35% of children are overweight or obese—making it one of the highest levels of childhood obesity in the nation.
· Over 1,500 children in Washington DC’s Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8 have been empowered to live healthier lives through our Recess by the River program.
· Nearly one out of every three children and adolescents are overweight or obese, making childhood obesity one of our nation’s leading health threats
· Nearly 25 million overweight and obese children and teens run the risk of earlier onset of adult disease such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes
Kids will have the opportunity to visit activity stations, including Jump Rope for Heart and free health screenings provided by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.
For more information contact:
Michelle Lockwood
Michelle.lockwood@heart.org
Michelle Lockwood
Michelle.lockwood@heart.org
