CHOCOLAY TOWNSHIP -- At first glance, one might think kids at Cherry Creek Elementary School in Chocolay Township were just playing around, but it turns out they may have been learning a value lesson.
Last week, kids in Chocolay Township and across the nation participated in Project ACES, or All Children Exercise Simultaneously, and the goal is simple: keep kids moving and having fun.
"We definitely have a trend of more TV time, more computer time, just more screen time in general, and I think that if we can incorporate more ways to reduce the sitting behavior, the better," said Lanae Joubert, a physical trainer and Project ACES coordinator for Cherry Creek.
According to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. This growing trend leaves adolescents more susceptible in developing illnesses like heart disease and diabetes when they get older.
Health experts say having kids do simple exercises when they are young can help them develop healthier habits when they reach adulthood.
The lesson is not lost on the kids, as they seem to understand the significance of staying active.
"It's really important because it keeps your body moving, and if you don't do it, you'll just be lazy all day and you don't want to do anything," said Camden Larson, a seven-year-old second grader.
To turn healthy living into a habit for your kids, more may have to be done outside of the school.
"Myself, as a mom, it's challenging to be active with our kids, so we rely a lot on schools or other organized activities for them to be involved with," Joubert explained. "But I think it's important that we try to be there for our kids as well--be active with them, doing different things throughout the day."
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