Top Five Ways to Be a Healthy Influence For Your Kids
Physically fit families have happy hearts and a decreased risk of illness, which means they’ll be around to enjoy each other’s company for years to come. Follow these five simple steps to put your crew on the road to better health!
Get Plenty of Zs
A great day begins with a night of sound sleep. For children, experts recommend anywhere from eight to eleven hours of sleep per night (depending on age)! Help your kids get the Zs they need by setting an appropriate bedtime, and winding down household activities about an hour before hitting the sheets.
Plan Family Fitness Adventures
Between work, school and after-school commitments, it can be tough to plan an event that includes the whole family. Score some quality together time by scheduling a group fitness outing two or three times a week. Try a 20 minute after-dinner walk, or a family bike ride.
Visit the Farmer’s Market
A trip the farmer’s market is a fun way for kids to learn how veggies and grains get from the field to your table. Sample fresh apricots and tomatoes together, strike up a conversation with a friendly farmer, and your children will learn that there’s much more to food than just a shrink-wrapped box.
Create Fun Fitness Games
Bring the kids to the park for a heart-pumping round of tag, pump up some tunes for hip-shaking salsa or challenge each other to a pull-up contest. Making time for exercise several times a week shows your kids that fitness is a priority. There are so many options – why not try ‘em all?
Make TV Time Active
Don’t let TV time turn your family into a bunch of couch potatoes. Devise quick and easy games that’ll get them moving. Have the kids run in place every time they hear Mickey say, “Oh boy!”, or tell ‘em to do five jumping jacks whenever Gary meows! The kids will love listening for cues from their favorite characters and you’ll feel great knowing that they’re getting in a few extra minutes of fitness!
