Bears mascot challenges youngsters to score a healthy life
Staley, the official mascot of the Chicago Bears, questions students about healthy choices during his visit to Protsman Elementary School. He offered the students ”Staley’s 6 Week Fitness Challenge” program. (Photograph provided by Protsman Elementary School.)
In an effort to encourage children into making healthy choices, the Chicago Bears and Staley Da Bear, the official mascot of the Bears, visited Protsman Elementary School recently.
“Staley’s 6 Week Fitness Challenge” is an informative, hands-on, educational school health show presented throughout Chicagoland. The students were introduced to the four elements, or “downs,” of this health/fitness program during an assembly entitled “First & Goal: How to Score a Touchdown for a Healthy Life.”
The students each took home a chart to monitor his/her progress daily during the six weeks following the assembly. Points are assigned for each “down” on a daily basis.
The goal of this program is to help children make conscious healthy decisions for themselves. Perfect scores are not required to succeed in this program. Those participating need just 13 points on Saturday and Sunday and 20 points on weekdays to “win.” At the end of each week, parents sign their child’s weekly chart.
Physical Education teacher Nick Karin and school nurse Mary Beth Rinaldi are helping monitor the students’ progress.
The students learned that if they complete Staley’s Fitness Challenge they will receive a Letter of Honor from Staley and a special Chicago Bears Health Award commemorating the accomplishments of each challenger and a cash card from Subway, and each will become eligible for the grand prize drawing.
Ten grand prize winners will be selected in August 2010 and receive the following: two tickets to a Chicago Bears game, special “On Soldier Field” recognition, a plush Staley doll and a $100 prize from Staley himself.
Staley’s Four Downs for Healthy Living
First Down—Eat healthy
The main goal of First Down is to cut out unhealthy foods like chips, candy, doughnuts, pizza, fast food and sugar-filled snacks. Parents and students can visit nutrition.gov for helpful ideas.
Second Down—Drink plenty of water
Students’ bodies are alive in major part because of water. Drinking a glass of water (8 oz.) for every 25 lbs. that a person weighs is the way to keep proper hydration each day to complete Second Down. Those who play or exercise should drink extra water.
Third Down—Proper rest
The human body needs to relax so the brain and heart can be revitalized. The amount of sleep a person needs depends on their age. Elementary school students need at least 10 hours of rest each day. Visit plateaupediatrics.com
Fourth Down—Physically active
Physical activity is as important as eating healthy to scoring a touchdown in the game of life. Students were encouraged to put down the TV remote and video controller for about an hour each day and do one of their favorite activities—jump rope, play a sport, take a walk, run or ride a bike.
