CHARLESTON, S.C., June 13, 2024—Forty-five Buist Academy students participated in a national photoshoot for the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, last week. The photos will be featured in marketing and communications national materials for the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge, American Heart Challenge, and NFL PLAY 60 programs. Buist Academy has demonstrated enduring commitment to the Kids Heart Challenge, having raised over $100,000 throughout their years of involvement.

The American Heart Association’s school-based program, Kids Heart Challenge/American Heart Challenge, offers a variety of physical activities to get elementary and middle school students’ hearts pumping such as dance, basketball and jumping rope. Paired with Finn's Mission, an online component where students earn digital badges for learning life-saving skills like Hands-Only CPR™ and how to spot a stroke, ways to combat stress, and ideas for healthy eating. The program has nearly 50 years of proven success rooted in scientific research that shows that kids who are regularly active feel better, have improved mental health, build self-esteem, and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression. 

“The Kids Heart Challenge benefits our students in various ways,” says Shannon Tisdale, health and physical education teacher at Buist Academy. “First and foremost, it builds a foundation for better health by teaching students how to create healthy habits at school and at home. In addition, the fundraising element empowers students to significantly impact our community. We are excited to see our students featured on the marketing materials for the upcoming school year.”

“It takes all of us to create a healthy community where everyone has the chance to live a long and healthy life,” says Katie Schumacher, executive director of the American Heart Association in Charleston. “We are so proud of Buist Academy and their commitment to our youth programs. The photoshoot was a fun way to celebrate their commitment to our mission.”

For over 15 years the American Heart Association and the NFL, in collaboration with the 32 NFL teams, have reached over 10.5 million kids with physical activity resources to meet the recommended 60 minutes a day of vigorous physical activity. NFL PLAY 60 is rooted in proven science that shows that active kids learn better, focus more, think more clearly, and perform better in the classroom. 

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans [1] only 20% of kids get enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations. In addition to improved physical health, the benefits of physical activity for children include better grades, school attendance and classroom behavior.

To learn more about the Kids Heart Challenge/American Heart Challenge or to enroll your school to participate, visit www.heart.org/getstarted.

For more information on NFL PLAY 60, visit heart.org/NFLPLAY60. 

 

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookX or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.    

 

About NFL PLAY 60 

For over 15 years (since 2007), the NFL PLAY 60 initiative has served as the League’s national youth health and wellness initiative to encourage millions of kids across the country to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and fuel the body with nutritious foods. With more than $360 million to youth health and fitness through PLAY 60 programming, grants and awareness campaigns, the NFL, its 32 clubs and its PLAY 60 partners have provided more than 38 million children the resources they need to boost their activity levels by supporting programs in over 73,000 schools and constructing more than 280 youth fitness zones nationwide. 

For more information on NFL PLAY 60, visit heart.org/NFLPLAY60. 

 

For Media Inquiries:

Jessica Rodgers: 270-519-1069; Jessica.rodgers@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

 


1 Department of Health and Human Services, 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, page 14. Available for download here: https://health.gov/paguidelines/default.aspx