Two-thirds of our children and youth are not active enough to lay a solid foundation for future health and well-being. We should all be encouraging our children to have an active lifestyle. Here is a list of ways we can do this:

1. Introduce them to local hiking and biking trails.

2. Ask for quality daily physical activity at their day cares and schools.

3. Allow your child to be involved in activities that are fun and of interest to them.

4. Include an activity into every day.

 

There are many benefits of physical activity for children. Physical activity builds healthy bones and muscles. It also boosts cardiovascular fitness. Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and increases energy levels. Stress reduction, improved self-esteem and memory are also very important benefits of physical activity. There is so much more information on this subject on the following websites: www.shapeup.org/publications/hwhl/part3e.htm www.healthierus.gov/exercise.html