Fuel Up to Play 60 Prompts Students To Become More Active, Healthy

Twenty Parkway North students participated in Fuel Up to Play 60 which took place in the lower gym on Nov. 18 during first and second priority. FACS teacher Becky Bright helped coordinate this event to help students get active and learn about healthy eating.  

“The fuel up part is the nutrition aspect. We want to increase access and consumption of healthy foods which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and, of course, low fat dairy. The Play 60 minutes of exercise every single day,” said Jean Gerber, who is Fuel Up to Play 60 advisor.

Eating healthy and staying fit can help many people feel better about themselves. With websites like Fuel Up to Play 60, parents can choose healthier options for themselves and their families.

“Most kids are lucky if they get ten minutes of exercise in a day, so we encourage high schoolers to get exercise in 20 minute increments throughout the day to get to the 60 minutes mark,” said Gerber.

Usually students who are physically active get more physical and health benefits such as building strong bones. Physical activity also decreases the risk of disease and reduces anxiety and depression.

“I learned that it is good to stay active and fit and eat healthy,” said freshman Baylee Murray.

Emails were sent out a week in advance with a sign up attached. Posters were also hung up around the halls of the school. Students that came had friends by their sides to join them.

“My friends asked me if I wanted to do it. And I wanted to spend time with them,” said freshman Gwendolyn Dempsey.

Students who participated had choices of frisbee toss, hula hoop, jump rope, football toss, knockout basketball game, and fitness challenge. The fitness challenge was more of what they could do such as the handstand contest. The handstand contest was tied at the end.

“The handstand contest was my favorite part of the event,” said Dempsey.

Fuel Up to Play 60 has their own website with many resources to stay fit and continue to eat healthy. They have different challenges for holidays and daily skills students can try.

“The website encourages students to take healthy challenges, to think about their nutritious awareness,” said Gerber. Some of the challenges include helping their family create a healthy Thanksgiving meal and participating in the Turkey Trot or other running event.

by Kayla Coleman, staff writer