Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation and Wolfson Partner to Help Prevent Childhood Obesity
Health Initiative Is Called "What Moves U"

Jacksonville, Florida, November 26, 2007 -- To combat the growing trend of inactive and overweight children in our community, Wolfson Children's Hospital has joined with the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation for the local implementation of a national community health initiative of the National Football League (NFL) and the American Heart Association (AHA) called "What Moves U.".The program encourages physical activity to address and prevent the problem of childhood obesity. The AHA's Greater Southeast Affiliate and the Duval County Public Schools are also collaborating in the local implementation.

"What Moves U" hopes to motivate and inspire kids to become more physically active and develop healthy eating habits. Research shows that the benefits of physical activity and good nutrition include:

Improved performance in school

Higher self-esteem

Lower levels of anxiety, stress and depression

Reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, gallstones and arthritis

Maintenance of a healthy weight

Increased life expectancy

The "What Moves U" program in Northeast Florida includes an 2007-08 pilot with in-school curriculum for sixth-grade students in six middle schools and youth obesity prevention and reduction grants of up to $500,000 over the next three years to local non-profit agencies. Future plans also include a full roll-out of the program to sixth-grade students across Northeast Florida.

In partnership with the Duval County Public Schools, the program is targeted to sixth graders because they are at a critical age to make good choices about exercise and food. Five middle schools in Duval County and one middle school from Nassau County are participating. They include:

Mayport Middle School

Ribault Middle School

Callahan Middle School

Kirby Smith Middle School

Jeff Davis Middle School

Baldwin Middle/Senior High School

The "What Moves U" curriculum was developed by the NFL and the American Heart Association, in collaboration with teachers and professionals around the nation, to provide education and hands-on activities to middle school youth on the importance of healthy physical activity and good nutrition. The comprehensive approach includes activities and projects in various courses, including Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science and Social Studies. This provides students with fun ways to learn through the perspective of, and with the support of, all of their teachers.

"What Moves U" will not only reach approximately 3,000 kids in First Coast schools, but also children attending after-school programs at a number of non-profit qualifying agencies which are receiving program implementation grants, including:

Community Connections at the A. L. Lewis Center

Gateway Community Services at The Players Championship (TPC) Village and Impact House

Girls on the Run (five sites)

Metro Kids Konnection at Cleveland Arms Apartments

PACE Center for Girls

Jacksonville Jaguars Receiver Ernest Wilford is the local player spokesperson for "What Moves U" and has already made school appearances to kick off the program. Every participating student receives a "What Moves U Playbook," designed by The Dalton Agency with the help of Wolfson Children's Hospital pediatric dietitians and health educators, combining "Wolfson Fit Facts" and Jaguars-inspired physical activities.

The national web site, WhatMovesU.com, is available to anyone and engages kids and keeps them coming back for the latest activities. The site offers award points that teachers give to students who complete assigned physical activities; the points are used for prizes through the web site. Teachers can get information on how to incorporate physical activity into daily lesson plans. School-wide events such as creating a school walking club are also encouraged.