PALA+ promotes physical activity and good nutrition because it takes both to lead a healthy lifestyle. This challenge supports the goal of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program to help children and adolescents maintain a more active and healthier lifestyle.
PROGRAM GOAL
- Physical Activity – Be active 60 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, for 6 weeks.
- Healthy Eating – Commit to a new healthy eating goal each week. There are eight tips for healthy eating to choose from and each week you will add a new goal while continuing with your previous goals. By the end of the six weeks, you will be giving your body more of the good stuff it needs.
GETTING STARTED
– Commit to daily physical activity and stick with it.
- Choice – Participants may choose activities that are fun and enjoyable.
- Everywhere – The activities can be done in school (including physical education and recess), at home, in parks, or any other place where one can be active.
- Challenge – Participants may pick activities that are highly competitive, require cooperation with others, or something just for fun.
- Social Environment – The activities can be done alone, with family, with friends or as part of a team.
– Commit to making healthier food choices one goal at a time.
– Track your progress with the personal activity log.
RECOGNITION
Every child or adolescent can receive this award through her or his own effort. It is not dependent on a set level of skill or fitness, nor on what others do or don’t do.
Rewards for participating in PALA+:
- PALA patch
- Certificate
- Stickers
- 2% extra credit toward your grade in physical education
Girls and boys may repeat their participation in PALA+ several times throughout the year. An additional sticker is received each time the award is earned.