There is a lot of misinformation about how we should and should not be eating. Any diet that reduces the number of calories you eat can help you lose weight, but fad diets may leave your intake of important nutrients low because they strictly limit or completely leave out whole food groups. While fad diets … Read More
Category: Tips
July is National Grilling Month
Nothing says “summertime” quite like grilling out! Having a cookout or barbecue in the summer is a great way to connect with your friends and family, play outdoor games, and enjoy each other’s company. While we often think of meat like hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken when we grill, you can also try grilling fruits and … Read More
Fishing
National Go Fishing Day is on June 18! Fishing allows you to peacefully enjoy the outdoors while still incorporating physical activity. You can fish in ponds, rivers, lakes, and oceans, which gives you flexibility and variety in where you choose to fish. It’s a great activity for children to learn since it’s low-pressure and leisurely. … Read More
Healthy and Safe Swimming Week
Swimming and water sports are great ways for children to be active once they’ve had swimming lessons and feel comfortable in the water. Swimming is an aerobic activity, which helps keep the heart strong and reduces chronic disease risk. It’s also a fun way to be active and stay cool outside during the heat of … Read More
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! Children should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, including aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening exercise. Regular physical activity can improve muscle, bone, and heart health, especially for growing children.¹ It can be difficult to meet physical activity recommendations, for both children and adults. Start with small … Read More
Every Kid Healthy Week
Did you know that one in three children in the U.S. are overweight or obese? Every Kid Healthy Week celebrates schools’ efforts to promote health and wellness. This year, Every Kid Healthy Week is April 23-27. This is a great opportunity for you to encourage your children to Move More! Here are some ways you … Read More
Butterfly Snacks
Fill a re-sealable snack bag with two healthy treats (one on each side). Pinch the middle with a clothespin. You can decorate the clothespin to look like a butterfly with markers and twist ties. Try grapes, cheese cubes, baby carrots, celery, pretzels, oat cereal, dried cranberries, almonds and more! … Read More
Preparing for PE Fitness Tests
North Carolina public schools encourage healthy growth and development by creating physical activity goals for children to meet in physical education (PE) classes. Even if your child hasn’t started kindergarten yet, you can be preparing them early for the PE requirements. Listed below are activities for different grade levels that children can participate in to … Read More
Physical Activity Through Childhood
Children at different ages may be at different developmental stages, but no matter your child’s age there are appropriate physical activities. For example, while infants can’t run and play the same way school-aged children can, they can still benefit from “tummy time” and playing with toys that engage their growing muscles and bones. Structured physical … Read More
Screen Time Breaks
Today’s technology has made it easier than ever to learn and gather new information. It also helps connect us with our out-of-town friends and family. Many children today are introduced to screen time (watching TV, playing video games, using a computer, etc.) at a young age, but it’s important to be mindful of the potential … Read More