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Family Fitness
Posted: Nov. 1, 2007
We know children do what they see – not always what they are told. As a parent, you have an important role in shaping your children’s attitudes about physical activity. Here are some tips to encourage your family to be more active.
You can increase your physical activity by making small changes:
| If you normally... |
then try this instead! |
| Park as close as possible to the store... |
park farther away |
| Let the dog out back... |
take the dog for a walk |
| Take the elevator... |
take the stairs |
| Relax while the kids play... |
get involved in their activity |
Help your children form good habits
The things kids learn as children, including eating and activity habits, become more difficult to change as they get older. Many children today have a poor diet and little physical activity. They eat foods high in calories and saturated fat and don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. They watch TV, play video games or use the computer instead of being active.
Children are becoming overweight or obese and have a higher chance of becoming obese adults. Overweight children face health risks like diabetes, gallstones, sleep apnea and high blood pressure.
You can strengthen your child’s health:
- Set limits on the amount of time the family watches TV, plays video games and uses the computer.
- Encourage your children to get one hour of physical activity every day.
- Find out about activity programs in your community.
- Ask your children what they like to do and what they’d like to try.
- Create family activities that involve physical activity, like hiking, walking or playing ball.
- Help your children eat right.
- Have your children plan and cook healthy meals with you.
- Don’t do other things while you eat, like watch TV.
- Give your kids healthy snacks, like fruits, whole-grain crackers and vegetables.
- Limit your trips to fast-food restaurants.
- Involve the whole family in healthy eating. Don’t single out your children by their weight.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health
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