Exercise: Let’s Get Our Kids Moving!

Turn off your television set. Turn off your computer. Turn off the radio.

What next? Why not EXERCISE? Yes, that means YOU and EVERYONE in your family, too!

It’s no secret that people of all ages in this country are overweight. But the numbers of children in the United States who are overweight are alarming. Overweight children typically become adults who wage a lifelong battle with obesity and costly health problems and diseases. Even if you or others in your family are not overweight, you are not excluded from the exercise routine to help maintain good health. Regular exercise is for everyone, of all shapes, sizes and abilities.

Why not turn off the technology wherever you are, get up and MOVE! Exercise (any kind of physical activity that spends energy) includes a wide variety of choices year-round. Springtime weather naturally invites increased outdoor activities, too. Most children don’t like to “exercise,” but they like to play sports. Get your child involved with an organized community sport like Little League, Special Olympics, soccer or Challenger Little League. It’s fun and your child gets lots of exercise.

Don’t have time to exercise? Think again:

• Walk Your Dog. If you have a dog in your family, take daily excursions around your block with your four-legged family member. It’s a good excuse to get everyone up and out of the house for a brisk 20 – minute trip through the neighborhood. Keep the pace fast, focused and a regular part of your family’s routine.
• Walk Whenever You Can. All of us travel to shopping centers, grocery stores and other retail outlets regularly. Instead of looking for the closest parking space, park far enough away that you and other family members have to walk a distance from the car to get to a desired location. Or, park at the far end of a shopping mall so that you have to walk through the mall to your destination.
• Climb the Stairs. Are there stairs at your child’s school? In your home? At your church? Use them. Encourage all members of your family to use the stairs whenever possible. Regular use of the stairs provides an easy opportunity for strengthening your lungs and legs.
• Jump Rope. Tried it lately? Jumping rope helps you to strengthen your arms and legs, endurance levels and lung function. This outdoor and indoor medium of exercise for the entire family is inexpensive and fun!
• Ride Bikes. Family members of all ages can enjoy the bike riding experience. Spring and summertime provide lots of opportunities to ride bikes in your neighborhood, parks or on bike trails. Prepare for a family bike ride by making sure that everyone wears a bike helmet and knows and practices bike safety rules.
• Go Swimming. Find a community pool close to your home and build swimming into your family’s exercise routine. Swimming is a lifelong recreational activity that can be enjoyed year-round.

Making the time to GET MOVING is the best insurance that you can provide for a healthy and productive life for you and your children, regardless of their age and abilities.

For more information...

Contact the Community Education and Child Advocacy Department at Riley Hospital for Children at (317) 274-2964 or visit www.rileyhospital.org/kids1st.

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