Happy New Year and welcome to 2010!
So many of our New Year’s Resolutions focus on losing weight. Let’s make a change this year and focus on health instead. And to be more specific, not only our own health but the health of our family.
Less than 60% of adults are physically active on a regular basis and 25% of adults are not active at all. Is that the habit you want to pass down to your children? Inactive people are at a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity. If we are going to have healthy children, it’s up the parents to teach them healthy habits. Let’s start 2010 by being an active family!
Experts say that children need 60 minutes of active play or physical activity per day. However, it doesn’t have to be all at one time, encourage your kids to get 10- 15 minutes of activity several times throughout the day. Whatever works best for your family.
How to get started: If your like most families…you are going to have to make some changes in regards to screen time. This includes, TV, video games and computer time. Experts have calculated that today’s children spend on average 6.5 hours per day in front of a screen. Really…6.5??? YES! We have to learn how to limit screen time to a reasonable amount and get our kids moving! One way to do this is to have your kids pick their favorite shows for that week and then Tivo only those shows or watch only those shows and then turn the television off. Also, have set hours that your child can be on the computer and cut out the senseless surfing. As parents, we also have to be a good example. If you’re the main couch potato of the family, now is a good time to change your habits as well. And don’t forget…be creative, make it fun and your children will learn to love the active parts of their week!
Becoming a Fit Family: It is important that your children see you, as the parent, engaging in healthy habits. There are so many fun, active things you can do as a family. Start implementing a family walk after dinner. This is a great time to talk to your kids…no distracting TV. Have a weekend Game Day, where as a family you play football, soccer or basketball. Let each child be in a charge of a day where they pick an activity that they like best. It may be riding bikes, setting up an obstacle course, or going on a nature walk. Try joining the area recreational center, like the local YMCA. They usually have weekly activities, a health club, a playground, a swimming pool and tennis or basketball courts. What’s important is that as a family, you start moving!
You can also use Mini and Me: Learning Healthy Habits as a great way to jump start your younger kids into a healthy 2010! www.miniandmethebook.com
We would love to hear your ideas on how to limit screen time and ways you plan to get your family up and moving! Share with us… S&S
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