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.

Building Blocks has more important tips on the benefits of exercise and family fitness, such as the following.

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.