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  • Writer's picturePediatric Consultants

Be Physically Active Daily


Physical Activity is Important for Good Health

  • Physical activity, along with healthy eating habits, is a sure path to maintain good health.

  • For kids, doctors recommend 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

  • Being active increases endurance, flexibility, and strength.

  • Active children usually have improved coordination, feel better about themselves, and can do better in school.

  • Physical activity burns calories and exercises the muscles.

  • Active children are less likely to be depressed or anxious, and have reduced risk of developing diabetes, asthma, and heart disease as they get older.

Physical Activity: What Your Family Can Do

  • Get up and keep moving while watching TV or playing video games.

  • Make it a goal: move during commercials.

  • Stay active throughout the day: park farther away, take the stairs, get off the bus one stop early, walk to your destination if possible, etc.

  • Make moving fun: dance to music, try a new fitness video, play musical chairs, Simon says with exercises, four square, or tag, or make active rules for card and board games.

Quick Tips:

  • Play in two 30 minute blocks or four 15 minute blocks to add up to 60 minutes every day

  • Enroll in an activity at your local recreation center

  • Plan activities for the whole family to do together:

  • Ride bikes

  • Go hiking

  • Grab sporting equipment and play at a nearby park

  • Go for a swim

  • Walk the dog

  • Do chores together:

  • Vacuuming

  • Yard work

  • Laundry

  • Cleaning the house

  • Get family and friends together for a game of kickball, dodgeball, basketball, baseball, football, etc.

For more information

www.kidshealth.org

www.kidnetic.com

www.cdc.gov/physicalActivity

www.mypyramid.gov

www.smallstep.gov

Information provided in this sheet was adapted from www.kidshealth.org, www.dole5aday.com, www.cdc.gov, and NCH handouts.

#healthtopics #familyactivities

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