Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign encourages Early Childhood Exercise

June 10, 2010

“It was evident to me after seeing the high density of apartments and starter homes in the neighborhood, that a play area gathering place was really needed,” says Ernie Adair, McDonald’s Owner Operator of the new PLAYTIME play area at his Chandler, AZ store.

Only about one in five homes have parks within a half-mile, and about the same number have a fitness or recreation center within that distance, the CDC reported to the Associated Press on May 25, 2010.

Health officials from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say one reason so many American kids are overweight is that few have a nearby place to play and exercise.

At PLAYTIME, we encourage safe and healthy play for kids through the use of our soft-sculpted foam play areas. These are principles we have had in place since the inception of our company, and we are pleased to see our goals aligning with the goals of first lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!" campaign in the fight against childhood obesity and CDC guidelines.

In her Let’s Move! plan, Ms. Obama presented a number of possible solutions to help improve kids health and reverse the childhood obesity epidemic. The goals of the campaign are to drastically decrease obesity in one generation through nutrition education, healthy food, and physical activity. Her concern is a valid one, as almost one in every three kids in the United States is either overweight or obese – a startling figure compared to the 1970’s, when only one out of every twenty kids belonged in this category.

Playing matters now more than ever. Play is a crucial part of growing into a healthy adult. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 60 minutes each day.

Active play experiences are a part of a healthy lifestyle for children. PLAYTIME’s low profile climbers, slides and crawl tunnels provide a great place for children to exercise while they learn.

PLAYTIME play areas can be found at many various locations, including shopping centers, restaurants, airports, stadiums, childcare and fitness centers, churches, resorts, military welfare and municipal recreation centers, water parks, museums and children’s healthcare centers all over the country. Community centers like these around the world have the opportunity to expand children’s exercise options by adding PLAYTIME indoor, outdoor and water playground equipment.

“It’s a great way to support your community and increase business,” says Grant Walter, EVP of PLAYTIME. “Every business can benefit from the increase in visits, enrollment, and/or membership that our soft play area equipment can provide.”

In even more recent news, PLAYTIME play elements are now certified antibacterial and fungal resistant. Their surfaces include materials that kill bacteria and reduce fungi that came in contact with the coating. Being germ-free is just one more reason that PLAYTIME really is the healthiest choice to add to your community’s playground alternatives.

Finding an EXPERIENCE PLAYTIME play area is easy, and provides a healthy, fun environment for your kids to get moving. Be safe, have fun, and get out there and EXPERIENCE PLAYTIME!

Please watch our Healthy Play Video and contact us to learn more.