Healthy Family Training Camp a big hit

03.26.2009

Spring was certainly in the air Tuesday evening, a sure sign that families will soon be able to enjoy a game of football in the yard or a bike ride through the park.

With those activities fresh on the mind of many families, it was perfect timing for the American Heart Association Healthy Family Training Camp at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility.

With nearly 600 people in attendance, many of which were children, the event was a pre-cursor to the American Heart Association's annual Heart Gala on May 30^th, a black-tie fundraising event to help fund research, education and awareness of heart disease and stroke.

What started out as a pilot project last year by the American Heart Association and Cleveland Browns, the event has grown into an overwhelming success, with other major cities around the country hosting similar events after seeing the results of the inaugural program here in Cleveland.

After dining on some healthy food options in the team's cafeteria, families moved to the Casey Coleman Field House, where there were a number of booths covering four themed areas: The Schoolhouse, Playground, Healthy Home and Locker Room. Children also had the opportunity to sign up for the Cleveland Browns Kids Club, which you can learn more about by clicking here.

Perhaps one of the most anticipated areas of the evening was the Browns Play 60/Youth Football station, where wide receiver Paul Hubbard and offensive lineman Hank Fraley conducted an obstacle course competition. Brothers, sisters, friends and youngsters lined up all evening to have the chance to meet with the two players, and also to battle others in a friendly football race.

"I really had no idea this many kids would be here tonight," Hubbard said. "I know this sounds cliché, but it really is a blessing to be able to come out and see these kids, to be able to help talk about the importance of staying healthy. This is a lot of fun."

The Browns Play 60 campaign is an initiative that encourages kids to participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. The Cleveland Browns Play 60 program is in association with Cleveland Clinic, 3-a-Day of Dairy and Medical Mutual of Ohio. Cleveland Clinic was at the event discussing healthy lifestyles with the attendees, and also provided complimentary BMI's. 3-a-Day of Dairy provided healthy recipe cards and activity sheets to all participants.

With many guests in attendance sporting Browns gear, it was easy to get caught up in Browns excitement, but this night wasn't all about the Browns or even football for that matter. Rather, it was about taking the right action when it comes to eating and exercising as a family. As the event showcased, exercise involves football, dancing, and even simply walking, whatever activity you chose, always remember to Play 60. It doesn't matter what activity it is, make sure to have fun doing it and do it on a regular basis. That, and make good choices when it comes to eating. As seen at the Healthy Family Training Camp - healthy eating can taste good too.