Get Physically Fit With The Detroit Pistons
Alexis Rothenberg CBS 62/ CW50 Intern
According to the Michigan Merit Curriculum students in middle school and high school should dedicate 45 minutes a day to physical active, while elementary students should have 30 minutes of activity daily. But are the students of today getting out there and staying active? According to the American Heart Association, childhood obesity is now the number one health concern among families in the United States, topping drug abuse and smoking.
With Michigan weather families might plea that being physically active everyday might be impossible. However basketball is a year round indoor and outdoor activity that is great for children of all ages. Basketball burns calories, strengthens the body, improves motor skills and can be a great stress reliever.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is trying to encourage youths to focus more on fitness by teaming up with The Detroit Pistons. The health provider aims to highlight the importance of children's health and asks Michigan kids to share how basketball has made their lives healthier. BCBS is awarding students that make it a priority to live health lifestyles by hosting #MIkidsCan, a Piston VIP Experience contest. One lucky winner will receive a Detroit Pistons VIP experience for their entire basketball team. Awarding students for their leadership to stay active and work as team to keep up a healthy lifestyle.
Andrew Hetzel, vice president of Corporate Communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, states that one in three children in Michigan is overweight or obese, so "The #MIKidsCan Pistons VIP Experience contest encourages kids across the state to celebrate their dedication to being active and take pride in how playing basketball helps them accomplish their health goals."
Team up with the Pistons to stay active and encourage friends and family to dedicate time to exercises. The #MiKidsCan contest runs until February 22, 2017. Visit ahealthiermichigan.org/mikidscan to enter.
Alexis Rothenberg is in her final semester at Eastern Michigan University. This April she will graduate with a Bachelors of Science after completing Eastern's Electronic Media and Film program. Throughout her four years at Eastern Michigan University, Alexis has discovered her passion for screen writing, producing and costume design.
