Daily physical activity promotes growth and development of children. Physical activity also reduces the risk of obesity and chronic diseases during childhood (and adulthood). When it comes to promoting physical activity behaviors among children simple strategies can easily be implemented.

Facilitate an Environment of Physical Activity

When your children are at home, it is important to facilitate an environment of physical activity in order to get them active. Tactically, as a parent you should mandate that the television is turned off and limit computer usage, or even take both away if necessary. In addition, encourage your children to be physically active. When they come home from school, kick them right back outside. Let them run around the backyard or neighborhood, put them on a bike, take them to the playground, get them involved in sports or even encourage them to walk or bike to the local library to do homework as opposed to staying in the house, whatever works best for you.

Change Your Daily Routines

As I mentioned previously, start changing the daily patterns of your children so that they get use to being physically active. Children only know what you teach them so if you mandate certain activities, they will follow your lead. For example, when it comes to young children in daycare centers or schools that are less than 1 mile away from home, make it a practice to walk your children to and/or from the daycare center/school at least 3 times a week.  If your children are school-aged and are old enough to commute to and from school, encourage them to either walk or ride a bike everyday. It’s all in an effort to encourage your children to be physically active.

Implementing physical activity into the lifestyles of children is a critical component of getting them on a path to leading healthier lives, but it doesn’t stop there. It is also important for children to eat healthy foods everyday in order to get adequate amounts of energy and essential nutrients that help their bodies and minds to develop and mature.

Tips for Implementing Healthy Eating Habits Into a Child's Lifestyle   

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Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a physician for advice.

Before starting an exercise training program you should first make sure that exercise is safe for you.  If you are under the age of 55 years and generally in good health, it is probably safe for you to exercise.  However, if you are over 55 years of age and/or have any health problems, be sure to consult with your physician before starting an exercise training program.