Transforming Kids’ Lives: How the MSU Health Care Sports Medicine Mileage Club Fosters Healthy Habits and Keeps Children Active

February 6, 2025

This fall, MSU Health Care teamed up with Fitness Finders to launch the MSU Health Care Sports Medicine Mileage Club in 13 elementary schools across mid-Michigan. This program lets kids put on their sneakers and get active, making physical fitness and well-being a priority. During this fall session, an amazing 2,875 young athletes collectively logged over 14,000 miles!

The Mileage Club is a fun way to get kids moving. As they participate in organized walks and runs, students earn Toe Tokens for reaching different milestones. This keeps them excited and motivated to stay active. With support from MSU Health Care Sports Medicine, schools have access to resources that help them promote health and fitness among their students. While 52 schools signed up, only 13 kicked off the program this fall. But there’s still more to come! Many schools will start participating in the spring, providing even more kids with the chance to join in.

Physical activity plays a key role in children’s growth and development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that:

• Kids aged 6-17 should get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day.
• Regular exercise boosts cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and helps kids maintain a healthy weight.
• Being active also helps improve focus, memory, and even academic performance.

Sadly, many kids do not meet these activity recommendations. Increased screen time and fewer chances for active play contribute to this. Programs like the Mileage Club aim to change that by making physical activity a fun part of school life.

This fall, the Mileage Club showed just how enthusiastic students and schools are about staying active. Collectively, they logged over 14,000 miles—enough to walk across the United States and back! But beyond just the miles, the program also built a strong sense of community, teamwork, and accomplishment.

MSU Health Care Sports Medicine is proud to support programs that focus on children’s health and encourage them to stay active for life. By helping kids meet their activity goals, we are building a healthier future for everyone.