Olympic Gold Medalist Joanna Hayes Visits Mississippi School to Lead Physical Activity Breaks
(PRWEB) November 08, 2013 -- With childhood obesity still the leading health issue affecting kids, the fact that many kids fall well below the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, and research proving the benefits physical activity on learning, Jackson, Miss. area schools are using HealthTeacher's GoNoodle, an interactive resource designed to get kids up and moving during the school day.
GoNoodle brings a series of interactive physical activity games and breaks right into the classroom. Each physical activity game of GoNoodle is designed to provide students 3-5 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity right next to their desks. Research proves that such short bursts of physical activity have positive health benefits and improve student engagement, behavior and achievement.
GoNoodle features Olympians and Olympic caliber athletes leading students in virtual track and field events. Joanna Hayes, Gold Medalist in the 100 metre hurdles in 2004 Summer Olympics, is one of 10 track and field stars featured in the game. Hayes will visit Brown Elementary Schools on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 9 am to lead students in GoNoodle physical activity breaks.
HealthTeacher (and GoNoodle) are available to 34 funded school districts through the generous support of Baptist Health Systems. Funded by Baptist Health Foundation, a division of Baptist Health Systems, the partnership was formed as part of Baptist’s commitment to improve the health and academics of children. The health lessons and resources from HealthTeacher address important topics like bullying, physical activity, and nutrition and also align to core subjects like English language arts and math.
“We are very excited to have Mrs. Hayes join us as we work to improve the health status of our Mississippi children,” said Baptist Spokesman Robby Channell. “As an athlete, mom, entrepreneur and coach, she will not only inspire these children but challenge them to set goals and live healthy lives.”
In addition to the track and field game, GoNoodle includes dancing, stretching, and even calming exercises, along with games that incorporate spelling, vocabulary and math with physical activity. Jackson-area teachers can learn more about GoNoodle by visiting http://www.gonoodle.com.
About GoNoodle
GoNoodle is a research-based classroom resource for elementary teachers to improve student engagement and youth health through desk-side physical activity breaks. Helping to increase energy and focus while improving classroom behavior, GoNoodle’s games can be played on an interactive whiteboard, projector or computer screen. GoNoodle is powered by HealthTeacher, Inc., the interactive leader in youth health. Learn more at gonoodle.com.
About Baptist Health Systems
Baptist Health Systems is the parent company of Baptist Medical Center, The Mississippi Hospital for Restorative Care, Baptist Medical Center-Leake and a number of related healthcare services and programs. For over 100 years, Baptist Medical Center has served Mississippi and the surrounding states as a Christian-based, non-profit comprehensive medical Center. HealthGrades, America’s leading independent healthcare ratings organization, listed Baptist among the best 100 hospitals in the nation for Orthopedic Surgery, Joint Replacement, Spine Surgery, Stroke Care, Prostate Surgeries and Critical Care. Visit Baptist on the web at http://www.mbhs.org or call 800.948.6262.
Karen Hansen, Bullseye Communications, 301-460-1501, [email protected]
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