Get Physical

Active play and a focus on physical fitness can help fight the growing problem of childhood obesity. Staying active as a family helps children understand the benefits of physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some useful and easy suggestions:

• Set a positive example by making physical fitness part of your usual routine.
• Provide children with active toys and equipment and be willing to play with them.
• Encourage and support physical activities that your children express interest in—from team and individual sports to recreational activities, like running and biking.
• Take appropriate safeguards for your child’s activities—be sure they use helmets, wrist pads, kneepads, etc.
• Make more time for physical activity by limiting passive activities, such as watching television or playing video games.

Resources:

• “My Activity Pyramid” from the University of Missouri is a great way for students to picture the many ways they can stay active.
• “Shape Up, America” provides tips for an active family.
• “Physical Activity for Everyone” from the CDC recommends that young people get at least 60 minutes of physical activity most days, and preferably every day.
• “Physical Fitness Guides for Kids and Teens ” from the Child Development Institute have fitness ideas for children of all ages.