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The quote, “These schools are demonstrating that when the health of students is made a top priority, scheduling at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day can be done. In addition, they are confirming the research that tells us physically active kids perform better in school,” comes from the Secretary of Health, Everette James. He shared this quote after visiting two middle schools in Southeast Pennsylvania that committed to exercising for 30 minutes every school day for one year. When he visited the two schools, James congratulated them on their success, and for providing evidence on how important it is for students to be physically active in school.

After the research was completed, the two schools were presented with a plaque, and were recognized for improvements they made in annual fitness assessments. The biggest reward for these kids, however, was that they felt better physically and also made improvements in their school work. Bringing just 30 minutes of physical activity to school children will help address the childhood obesity epidemic as well. According to a recent survey conducted by the Pennsylvania middle schools around the state, only about 38% of the students get 30 minutes of daily activity. Not having the time to be physically active will eventually take a toll on these children’s lives. Overweight children have an increased risk of heath issues as adults, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and cancer. After these two Pennsylvania middle schools have proven the positive outcome of daily physical activity, hopefully other schools nationwide will catch on to this program.