Our busy schedules have returned and the kids are back in school. Life can be very hectic this time of year and we seem to forget to take time out for ourselves. As winter approaches we want to retreat to the “indoors” and forget about physical activity and exercise. We must remember though, that keeping active throughout the winter months is very important and beneficial to our health and the health of our children.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has recognized that the obesity epidemic has climbed 15% since 1960 among children 6-19 years of age. Here are ACE’s top ten reasons why exercise is important for children: 1. Kids who exercise are more likely to keep exercising as an adult. 2. Exercise helps children achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. 3. Regular physical activity helps build and maintain strong, healthy muscles, bones and joints. 4. Exercise aids in the development of important interpersonal skills- this is especially true for participation in team sports. 5. Exercise improves the quantity and quality of sleep. 6. Research shows that exercise promotes improved school attendance and enhances academic performance. 7. Kids who exercise have greater self-esteem and better self-images. 8. Participating in regular physical activity prevents or delays the development of many chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension) and promotes health. 9. Children who are active report fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression and a better overall mood. 10. Exercise helps improve motor coordination and enhances the development of various motor performance skills. American Council on Exercise. (2003). ACE’s Top 10 Reasons Children Should Exercise. Retrieved October 28, 2003, from: http://www.acefitness.org/updateable/update_display.cfm
A fun way to get the whole family out and active is to hold a challenge. For every 15 minutes of physical activity, a “point” is earned. Chart everyone’s points throughout the week and set a family goal where there is equal opportunity for everyone to contribute to the points. Once the desired amount of points is achieved, go on a family cross-country ski outing or provide a creative reward that suits your family.
We all know walking is a great way to include physical activity in our daily life. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity 3 or more days each week will meet health benefits. So take in every opportunity available to walk. Opportunities include: ∗ Walking to get your mail ∗ Walking on your coffee break ∗ Walking between errands ∗ Walking to work ∗ Or make a habit of going for a 15 minute walk after supper to energize yourself after a long day
There are so many outdoor
activities to do over the winter months that are fun and easily accessible to families. Here are a few activities for you and your family to get involved in: ∗ Tobogganing ∗ Skating at a community outdoor rink ∗ Cross-country skiing ∗ Make a snowman/woman or even a family of snow people! ∗ Build a snow fort or igloo ∗ Shoveling snow ∗ Chopping, carrying and stacking wood ∗ Even playing a summer sport such as soccer or volleyball could be interesting and fun in the snow!
Access to “cool” web sites∗ The following web site included awesome ideas and topics such as snow info, snow-castles, snowflakes, snow-art and rules of a snowball fight: http:www.niksula.cs.hut.fi/~mnikkane/index.html Want to know more about Winter Weather Safety Rules? Check out: http://weathereye.kgan.com/expert/blizzard/WinterSafe.html
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In motion is a health promotion initiative that focuses on various strategies such as: ∗ Workplace Wellness ∗ Older Adults ∗ Children & Youth ∗ Health Care Professionals Referral ∗ Chronic Disease Prevention ∗ Inactive Adults If you are interested in learning more about in motion, please call our infoline at 655-DO IT (3648) or check out our web site at www.in-motion.ca