Mississippi Baptist, American Heart Association get serious about recess

Recess is now much more fun for kids at Galloway Elementary in Jackson, Mississippi, and Woolfolk Middle in Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center and the Metro Jackson American Heart Association (AHA) donated jump ropes, basketballs and U.S. Games gift cards to the schools’ physical education programs. The “recess reboot” donation will contribute to the schools’ physical education activities, including their annual AHA Jump Rope for Heart events.

The AHA recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Establishing a habit of physical activity can help control weight, reduce blood pressure, raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol, reduce risk for diabetes and improve psychological well-being. Studies show that health interventions at school positively influence healthy behavior in children.