Blog Site Discontinued June 23, 2017

Welcome. This blog site, healthy eating and food safety, has been discontinued as of June 23, 2017. I look forward to your comments and feedback regarding use of this tool to disseminate educational information.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Tips for Encouraging Family Physical Activity


Tips for Encouraging Family Physical Activity
The number of obese children and adolescents has increased significantly in the past four decades.  As a parent, grandparent or caregiver what can you do?  One option is to encourage family physical activity. Here are some tips for encouraging physical activity.
  • Play together.  Find opportunities to be active when together. It may be biking together , hosting a softball game or going to the local park playground.
  • Limit screen time.  Screen time which includes television, video games and computer use to no more than two hours a day. By setting limits, you help them learn to balance their lives with a variety of activities.
  • Schedule Active Time. Set aside time every week to schedule time for family activities. 
  • Rethink placing televisions in bedrooms.  Seventy-seven percent of sixth graders have a television in their room.  Likewise, younger children do not need a computer in their room.
  • Plan for variety by scheduling several  activities for your children to experience.
  • Look for opportunities to move.  Don’t take the closest parking space.  Park at a distance and walk a few extra steps.  Ask children to join you when walking the dog.  Use the stairs when possible.
  • Look for community activities.  Many communities have planned activities for families.  Take advantage of these events. Many of these events are free.
Source: Iowa State University Extension.

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