Finding Common Ground on Healthcare Reform | GetHealthReformRight.org
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Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
"Be a model of fitness
Almost from the time they start to toddle, your kids want to imitate your every move — they may pretend to cook dinner or head off to work. But, that’s just the beginning. As your children grow, they’ll likely imitate the lifestyle choices that you make — including how physically active you are.
You want your children to be fit and strong. And, you know that you need to set a good example. But, maybe you’re so busy that you don’t know where to start. Or, maybe you’ve just fallen into the habit of hitting the couch instead of the walking trail. Take heart. It’s not too late for the whole family to start enjoying the benefits of regular exercise.
Gather the troops
It’s easier to get everyone on board with physical activity if you ease into the idea. Think small changes, not boot camp. For example, plan a 10-minute family walk after dinner, two evenings a week.
And, it shouldn’t end there. Get everyone involved in choosing activities the whole family can enjoy. Here are some ideas:
* Take it outside. Walk to a nearby park or school to kick a soccer ball, shoot hoops, or just run and play. If your kids are young, consider walking while they ride a tricycle. Take the family on bike rides, and plan weekend hikes to explore parks and trails in town and in the country. Area state parks are a great place to get outdoors, too.
* Be your own motor. Leave the car at home whenever you can, and stroll or bicycle to the library, grocery store or school instead.
* Hit the gym at home. There are many simple exercises that can be done at home. You might consider, for example, yoga or stretching exercises. Talk with your doctor about what could benefit you.
* Give back. Train together for a charity event, such as a 5K walk.
* Explore a family sport. Consider doubles tennis at a local park or school court. Make it vigorous activity by playing singles instead.
* Celebrate with more than cake. Include a game of family Frisbee or volleyball when planning birthdays and other occasions.
Unplug
On average, kids between ages 8 and 18 spend four hours a day watching TV, videos, DVDs and prerecorded shows. Since too much time in front of the TV or computer can crowd out fitness, you may want to set limits on these sedentary pastimes.
Of course, most kids won’t love the idea of less TV. So, why not offer alternatives? For example, skip the cartoons and take the family bowling. Make the time you do spend watching TV more active by challenging your kids to a jumping jack contest during commercials.
It all adds up
Each week, most healthy adults should aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity, such as walking briskly. On two or more days a week, adults also need strengthening activities, such as working with resistance bands or light weights. Exercise recommendations for kids and teens include an hour of activity each day, mostly aerobic exercise.
Of course, safety is a priority. Check with your doctor before significantly increasing your physical activity. Also, make sure everyone wears safety gear appropriate for their activities, such as helmets, kneepads and elbow pads.
Before long, fitness can become a natural and fun part of family life. Chances are, you’ll also make some treasured memories along the way."
Almost from the time they start to toddle, your kids want to imitate your every move — they may pretend to cook dinner or head off to work. But, that’s just the beginning. As your children grow, they’ll likely imitate the lifestyle choices that you make — including how physically active you are.
You want your children to be fit and strong. And, you know that you need to set a good example. But, maybe you’re so busy that you don’t know where to start. Or, maybe you’ve just fallen into the habit of hitting the couch instead of the walking trail. Take heart. It’s not too late for the whole family to start enjoying the benefits of regular exercise.
Gather the troops
It’s easier to get everyone on board with physical activity if you ease into the idea. Think small changes, not boot camp. For example, plan a 10-minute family walk after dinner, two evenings a week.
And, it shouldn’t end there. Get everyone involved in choosing activities the whole family can enjoy. Here are some ideas:
* Take it outside. Walk to a nearby park or school to kick a soccer ball, shoot hoops, or just run and play. If your kids are young, consider walking while they ride a tricycle. Take the family on bike rides, and plan weekend hikes to explore parks and trails in town and in the country. Area state parks are a great place to get outdoors, too.
* Be your own motor. Leave the car at home whenever you can, and stroll or bicycle to the library, grocery store or school instead.
* Hit the gym at home. There are many simple exercises that can be done at home. You might consider, for example, yoga or stretching exercises. Talk with your doctor about what could benefit you.
* Give back. Train together for a charity event, such as a 5K walk.
* Explore a family sport. Consider doubles tennis at a local park or school court. Make it vigorous activity by playing singles instead.
* Celebrate with more than cake. Include a game of family Frisbee or volleyball when planning birthdays and other occasions.
Unplug
On average, kids between ages 8 and 18 spend four hours a day watching TV, videos, DVDs and prerecorded shows. Since too much time in front of the TV or computer can crowd out fitness, you may want to set limits on these sedentary pastimes.
Of course, most kids won’t love the idea of less TV. So, why not offer alternatives? For example, skip the cartoons and take the family bowling. Make the time you do spend watching TV more active by challenging your kids to a jumping jack contest during commercials.
It all adds up
Each week, most healthy adults should aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity, such as walking briskly. On two or more days a week, adults also need strengthening activities, such as working with resistance bands or light weights. Exercise recommendations for kids and teens include an hour of activity each day, mostly aerobic exercise.
Of course, safety is a priority. Check with your doctor before significantly increasing your physical activity. Also, make sure everyone wears safety gear appropriate for their activities, such as helmets, kneepads and elbow pads.
Before long, fitness can become a natural and fun part of family life. Chances are, you’ll also make some treasured memories along the way."
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