Physical Activity Essential for Kids and Adults

Peggy R. Anderson

Extension Agent

May 19, 2010

Attention Quilters!!

During our Border Piecemaker Quilt Guild meeting on Monday, members voted to offer a $10 cash award for a quilted table runner at the Burke County Fair. You have time to get one made or ask if you can borrow that gift you gave this Christmas!  Hoping to see many quilts from all our quilt guild members in Burke and Divide County at the fair!

Physical Activity Essential for Kids and Adults

The message from health experts is clear--adults and children need to be active every day. Physical activity strengthens muscles and bones, reduces the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, and can improve mood. It also can help with the prevention of obesity.

But sometimes getting exercise can seem like just one more thing to do in an already jam-packed day. One way to overcome that is to be active along with your children and focus on having fun, according to Colleen Pulvermacher, Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth development agent in Vernon County.

“Fun is the name of the game for kids,” says Pulvermacher. “And by promoting an active lifestyle with your children, you’re encouraging healthy habits that last a lifetime.”

Pressure to participate in activities that don’t match a child’s interests and skills, or trying to enforce mandatory exercise rather than play, can easily sap the joy out of physical activity. Some experts report that a joyful approach to exercise is the key to long-term success.

“Choosing the right activity will be an ongoing process of trial-and-error as you uncover your child’s individual preferences,” says Pulvermacher. You might draw inspiration from your natural surroundings and by watching other kids and parents, in addition to trying variations on your own favorite sports and activities. Children relate to their parents’ enthusiasm and will usually follow your lead.

Parents play a key role in motivating children to join in family activities, says Pulvermacher. She suggests considering these motivational tips from the American Association of Pediatrics (http://www.healthychildren.org).

--Lead by example. Your activity level is a powerful model for kids. Parents who make exercise a priority in their own lives will significantly increase the chance that family members will do the same.

--Get involved. Participating in family games and activities makes for solid bonding time--and good memories. Sharing enthusiasm and a light-hearted challenge will get kids moving; having fun will keep them moving.

--Limit screen time. Restrict to two hours a day the number of hours your child is allowed to watch TV, play video games, and use the computer. Interactive video games that require the player to perform dance or sports moves can ease the blow of stricter guidelines and help kids make the transition from low to moderate levels of activity.

--Hang loose. Keep the emphasis on fun and enjoyment. The more flexible you can be, the more your child will feel a sense of choice and control.

--Eat well. Make the most of the benefits of physical activity by providing good nutrition and well-balanced meals at home.

--Spread the word. Share your expectations with grandparents, teachers, and other caretakers to help them reinforce healthy activities when your child is away from home.

“You can kickstart your family fun with some of these springtime activities,” says Pulvermacher.

--Go to the park, toss a football or Frisbee, take pictures, collect rocks. For parks in your county check http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/partners/coparks.html.

--Play old-fashioned games: tag, dodge ball, kick the can.

--Build a tent or fort in the backyard and “camp out.”

--Buy a kite, put it together as a family activity, and fly it in the park. While you hold onto the kite string, let your child run with the kite until the wind catches it and sends it aloft.

--Take a family bike ride.

--Go horseback riding.

--Dust off the tennis rackets, pogo sticks, golf clubs, bats and balls.

--Clean the car as a family activity.

--Plant a garden or rake leaves.

--Dance! Put on your favorite music and get your family moving.

When you join in, your child will see that you believe physical activity is important, and you’ll become his most important role model. Disguised as fun, you and your children will enjoy the many benefits of exercise and time spent together as a family

Schedule:

Wednesday, May 19 – Burke County

Thursday, May 20 – Divide County

Friday, May 21 – Burke County

Monday, May 24 – Burke County

Tuesday, May 25 – Divide County