Healthy Children Healthy Futures

Home > Parent's Program > Parent Guide to Healthy Eating and Physical Activity > Nutrition Now > Physical Activity

8 Habits of Healthy Kids^® Physical Activity TV and Videos Fruits and Vegetables Healthy Snacks Dairy Foods Water Fast Food Choices Bigger is not better! Top Nutritition & Fitness Myths

Spend at least 1 hour a day being physically active How can I help my child be more active? • Be a role model. If your children see you physically active and having fun, they're more likely to be active, too. • Involve the family in physical activities. • Focus on fun. You can do a lot of walking during trips to the park. Add interest to exercise. • Find things you can do around the house that count as exercise, like getting up and stretching during TV commercials. • Try weight-training using soup cans! Use time with your kids to be active-take them for a bike ride, jump doubledutch, toss a softball, play tag or do jumping jacks. • Have fun while being active; it's a winning way to fitness. Preferred Goals • Adults: Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week; about 1 hour a day to prevent weight gain. • Children and Teenagers: Be physically active at least 1 hour a day Before Starting an Exercise Program If you're young and in good health, you usually don't need to see a doctor before beginning an exercise program. But if you're a male over 40 or a female over 50 and have been inactive for several years or have health problems, like diabetes or heart disease, you should consult your physician first. And, no matter what your age, always start an activity program slowly.
	© 2007 Healthy Children Healthy Futures