a study looking at the health effects of media on children and adolescents. The study found that excessive screen time (more than one or two hours per day) not only contributes to unhealthy weight gain, but also to poor sleep patterns, attention difficulties, anxiety and depression. So how do we get our kids off the couch


and moving? Physical activity is invigorating. Experts suggest that it only takes five minutes of walking to improve one’s mood and lessen the physical manifestations of anxiety. Also, with the summer weather on our side, it’s a great opportunity to be outdoors. Whether taking a stroll down a city block or embarking on a hike to the peak of a mountain — feeling the sun on your face, breathing in fresh air and using the strength of your body to move is enlivening! The good news is that all physical activity counts. Walking a family pet, playing at a local park or signing up for a team sport — anything that gets kids moving — can have a positive impact on their health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least one hour per day of moderate physical activity for all youth over the age of six. Even better, at least 3 of those 60-minute intervals should include vigorous physical activity, which will have robust effects on bone and muscle strength. We may no longer live in a world where it’s safe to simply let our kids roam the neighborhood, but there are certainly other ways to get them moving. Strategies to get kids outdoors and active follow.


Individual Sports What child doesn’t love rolling down the sidewalk on a pair of skates? Perhaps a family bike ride is overdue. Have the luxury of living near a beach? Swimming and





surfing can provide a terrific workout. The martial arts have also become a popular activity for youth and are an excellent choice for teaching focus, listening skills, confidence and self-control. Though classes may be taught in indoor studios, your kids can certainly practice their skills outside.


Team Sports Basketball, baseball, soccer, beach volleyball and tennis are excellent outdoor activities for summer. Certainly, your child needn’t join an organized team to explore this option. Pick-up games at a park or routine get-togethers with a group of friends can be an impromptu way to play. Too complicated to get a group of kids together? Challenge your kids to dribble a soccer ball around obstacles, work on their lay-up shot or hit a tennis ball against a wall — there are countless skills to practice without a team.


For the Love of Nature For the child who simply comes to life outdoors, there is no better way to stay physically fit than taking a walk or going for a run. Whether in a park, around the neighborhood or on a local trail, you’d be surprised at the distance kids can go. Use the opportunity to point out observations along the way or to play a version of I Spy as you move along a trail. If you have older kids, walking is often a stealthy way to connect. Time spent alone with your child, in the quiet of a wooded trail or simply walking the sidewalks of a quiet neighborhood, can often inspire deep conversation.


Technology Addicts For children who are passionate about the latest technology, wearable fitness trackers continue to grow in popularity. In


25


ISTOCK.COM


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108