Healthcare Technology Featured Article

October 16, 2012

NFL Stars, Kinect for Xbox 360 Fighting Childhood Obesity 60 Minutes at a Time


NFL team rivalry and pride has plagued the playgrounds of schools, the lunch rooms of offices, and the living rooms of families for years. Whether you are a Giants or a Jets fan, bragging rights are essential. Imagine having your favorite NFL football star “friend” you on Facebook and comment on your Facebook wall for all of your friends and NFL enemies to see. I think that would warrant some definite bragging rights at next Sunday’s game.

For kids across the country this could become a reality. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, along with other NFL heavy-weights Jerry Rice and Amani Toomer, are working with Kinect for Xbox 360 on a health conscious initiative, called “60 Million Minutes Challenge” to help fight childhood obesity.

Image via Shutterstock

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than tripled over the last 30 years. In 2008, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. It’s an epidemic that has not only been brought on by over-processed, fatty foods, but also a sedentary lifestyle and up-bringing. First Lady Michelle Obama has even referred to obesity as a national security, economic and public health threat and has campaigned her “Let’s Move” initiative across the country.

The “60 Million Minutes Challenge” hopes to combat childhood obesity by encouraging kids to be active for 60 minutes each day. Whether it’s playing outside on a playground or joining a little league team, every minutes counts toward a healthier future. Xbox hopes to get one million kids to pledge 60 minutes of healthy activity, which would ultimately result in 60 million minutes of active play to go toward fighting childhood obesity.

As an added bonus, when a child pledges 60 minutes, they will be entered for a chance to win a “social autograph” posted on their Facebook page from an NFL star. Instead of feverishly waiting amongst a crowd of fans to get your jersey signed, how about receiving a friend request from Giants quarterback Eli Manning? So get up, pledge your 60 minutes and enter to win here, you never know what famous friend request is pending.




Edited by Stefania Viscusi
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