The Alliance for a Healthier Generation Promotes Exercise for Kids
by Nancy Gay, Communications Director
As the school year comes to a close, kids say goodbye not only to classrooms and homework, but also to regular exercise. Without recess or gym class to get the blood flowing, too many kids become sedentary, and spend the summer on the couch watching TV. Experts recommend that kids get no more than 1 to 2 hours of TV, computer and video games a day, but most kids get four to six hours daily. The trend toward inactivity contributes to childhood obesity, putting children at risk for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. That is why the American Heart Association and its partners in the
Have a plan. Be prepared to offer alternative activities to TV or video games. You might consider family game night, shooting some hoops, walking the dog or exploring a nearby park.
Be active with your kids. Experts say that what kids want more than anything else is time with their parents. To give them that, don’t just send them out to play — go play with them!
Don’t position your furniture so the TV is the main focus of the room. Remove televisions from bedrooms.
Plan TV watching in advance. Go through the TV guide and pick the shows you want to watch. Turn the TV on for those shows and turn it off afterwards. Don’t just watch whatever comes on next.
Avoid using TV as a reward or punishment. Instead, use play time outdoors as a way to motivate!
Practice what you preach. Your kids won’t accept being restricted to two hours of TV watching if you can veg out for four hours. The best way to influence your kids’ behavior is through example.
Be strong, have a plan and don’t back down. Your child’s health is worth fighting for.
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For more information, visit www.healthiergeneration.org or encourage your children to become part of the The Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s empowerME Kid’s Movement at www.empowerME2be.org. The movement inspires kids to make healthy behavior changes and become advocates and leaders for healthy eating and physical activity in their local community.
