In a nation where one in three children is overweight or obese, the physical, emotional, and economic well-being of the population is increasingly at stake. Two years ago, the cost for diabetes alone stood at $245 million. While numerous organizations and government agencies work towards solutions to this problem, it is our responsibility to create healthy environments for our families.
Let’s Move Nation works with parents and children everywhere to educate and inspire them to eat a healthier diet and be more physically active in the fight against childhood obesity — through nutrition classes, fitness groups, cooking demonstrations, and promoting access to healthier food.
Just in time for summer, here are some quick and easy tips for keeping your family healthy and active:
- Build healthy habits early. Whether you walk to the park with your children after work or take in a weekend swimming at the beach, make outdoor activities a habit for the entire family. Every day, practice habits such as taking the stairs and parking far from the store.
- Commit to a goal. Working towards a goal such as a charity walk or building a treehouse is not only a great way to bond with your children, but an easy way to get fun physical activity in as well.
- Enroll your children into recreational sports. Since team practices and games will typically only be twice a week, this gives you the opportunity to spend a few days practicing with them. After school, you can take your child to the park to shoot a few hoops, do a few drills, or practice a few swings.
- Walk or ride bikes together to school. Biking may require a little extra time, but you’ll save money on gas, spend quality time with your children, and easily fit physical activity into your day.
- Dedicate a few hours each week or month to trying something new. When kids are exposed to many different activities at a young age, they are more likely to carry that desire for adventure into adolescence and adulthood. Keep it simple and spend an hour at the local roller rink, or go out for a few hours of ice skating or kayaking.
- Family sports day. Tennis? Basketball? Soccer? Baseball? Going to the park with your kids at least once a week is another easy way to build in daily physical activity while teaching them athletic skills and teamwork.
- Play active video games. Since the creation of popular games like Dance Dance Revolution, videogames have evolved to incorporate a lot of body movement. Having games such as Wii Sports, Wii Fit, and Just Dance will keep your family busy, active, and enjoying themselves for hours.
- Participate in household chores together. Chores can be made fun by getting the whole family to participate. Turn chores into fun games or competitions. Your children will be active while learning responsibility.
- Family garden. Gardening requires a lot of strength and movement, and is a great physical hobby to share with your children. This is a valuable opportunity to also teach them where their food comes from and they’re more likely to value and enjoy their fruits and vegetables when they’ve put the work into create them.
- Organize a monthly get-together with extended family or neighbors. Dedicate this day to good food and fun. These days, people rarely get together outside of special occasions. Create a day to be together and celebrate community. After a nice potluck, you can spend the afternoon engaging in a friendly game of flag football. What better than some competition and camaraderie with people you love?
By committing to stay healthy this summer, you can build a healthier life for you and your family all year round.
To join us in our fight for a healthier generation of children contact us at info@letsmovenation.org.