Oregon Kids Move With Heart

Oregon Kids Move With Heart

Creating a Culture of Movement to Inspire a Culture of Health

Physical Inactivity

Today’s kids are more inactive than any previous generation. A childhood without enough physical activity is likely to lead to an inactive adulthood, a major contributor to chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The majority of our kids waking hours are spent at school, presenting a tremendous opportunity for schools to offer physical activity throughout the school day, and quality physical education to teach kids how to healthfully be physically active for a lifetime. Unfortunately, many schools are not providing the recommended amount of physical education and physical activity.

Oregon Kids Move with Heart

Oregon Kids Move with Heart is the American Heart Association’s exciting initiative to increase physical activity opportunities for K-8 students. Physical activity decreases the likelihood of becoming overweight and reduces risk factors for diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends that kids get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day. Physical activity helps to control weight, reduce blood pressure, raise “good” cholesterol, reduce the risk of diabetes and some cancers, and improve psychological well-being.

2017 Oregon Physical Education Requirement

In 2017, elementary students will be required to participate in 150 minutes of physical education per week, and middle school students 225 minutes per week. At least 50% of the physical education class must be actual physical activity with as much time as possible spent in moderate physical activity.

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This work is supported in part by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Community Health. The content does not necessarily represent the views of the CDC.