September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Did you know that one in three children in the United States is overweight or obese? Children with obesity are at a greater risk of developing other health problems like asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes. There are many factors that influence childhood obesity, … Read More
Tag: teen
After-School Activity
The first day of school is coming up. With the rush of gathering school supplies, packing lunches, and meeting teachers, it can be easy to lose track of time and forget to include time for children to be active. Start the school year off on the right foot by planning for physical activity! Some children … Read More
Fitness Basics for Youth
We know that physical activity is good for us and our children. For children, being active regularly can help improve cardiorespiratory fitness, strengthen bones and muscles, keep them at a healthy weight, reduce anxiety, and reduce the risk of health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and obesity. Whether your … Read More
Touch Football
August is here which means football season is upon us. As a family you can play a non-contact game of football that doesn’t involve tackling–either touch football or flag football. These variations make it easier for young children to learn how to play. Before you play touch or flag football, make sure you have plenty … Read More
7-Minute Workout
It can be hard to fit physical activity in your day. Finding ways to be active as a family can make it easier for everyone to fit in physical activity. A short, high-intensity workout that works all parts of the body can be a great way to fit in exercise with your school-aged children. Also, … Read More
Supporting Your Children Playing Sports
Next week (July 16-22) is National Youth Sports Week. Sports help children and adolescents develop character while keeping them fit and active. Children who play sports learn how to work with others as a team, self-motivation, and how to deal with emotions when a game is lost. As a parent or caregiver, you can play … Read More
National Park and Recreation Month
July is National Park and Recreation Month! The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) exists to promote public parks, recreation, and conservation. Children with access to safe parks and recreation are more likely to participate in physical activity,¹ so parks play a critical role in children’s health. This month, get your children outside and utilize … Read More
Fitting in Physical Activity
School-aged children spend much of their day focused on school between waking up early, spending all day at school, and doing homework when they get home. With the demands of school, it can be hard to fit in physical activity, especially when the whole family is tired from a long day. Physical activity can help … 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
Great Outdoors Month
June is Great Outdoors Month! The outdoors provides endless opportunities for physical activity, such as biking and hiking. Outdoor play for children promotes fitness, can raise vitamin D levels, and can help reduce stress.¹ Here are some ways your children can participate in Great Outdoors Month! Bike riding: Whether you bike through your neighborhood, on … Read More