Living Well in Yalobusha County

By: Pamela Redwine

Nutrition and Food

Do you catch yourself coming in from work on these hot summer days, plopping down on the couch with a cool drink (and maybe a snack) and grabbing the remote control and flipping through the stations only to find yourself still there several hours later?  It is really an easy thing to do, especially with the temperatures reaching the upper 90 degrees. We all need a little rest after a long day at work.  But many of us have been sitting the majority of the day and what we really need is a little activity!  

Active living helps your family enjoy life!  Moving more boosts energy and promotes sound sleep.  And it’s a lifelong way for you and your child to stay healthy and keep a healthy weight.  In fact, active living lowers the chances of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease – for you and your child.

How can you raise an active child?

Get moving yourself!  Children often “inherit” their family’s lifestyle.  If you do active things, chances are your child will, too.  Adults set the tone for active living in the family.

Fit activity in your family life.  You don’t need to spend extra money, or even get involved in sports. You can all be active – just be doing everyday things.

Do more than watch.  Play!  Let yourself feel young enough to play, especially with your child.  Playing is okay at any age!  If you forget how, your child can show you.  Your involvement and enthusiasm support your child’s play.

Set limits on TV and computer time – for the whole family.  That leaves more time for active play.

Remember parents! Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days.  Competitive sports aren’t the best choice for most young children.  Children naturally start to do things in groups about eight to 10 years of age.  Let them choose the type of activities they enjoy.

Let’s Move!  Is your child in “constant motion”?  With your support, he or she likely moves enough during the day.

Here’s a guideline for you.  Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most if not all days.  A moderate activity is equal to walking 2 miles in 30 minutes.  Three 10-minute chunks of action for a while, start slowly; being active with your family counts!