Whenever possible, walk instead of driving. Walk to the bus stop with your child. Park farther away from a store entrance. Walk to your neighbors' homes. Schedule fitness activities the whole family can enjoy on a regular basis.
Most kids jump at the chance to shoot hoops or go hiking, biking or swimming.
By encouraging your child to participate in physical activities that are fun and those they can carry into adulthood, you help them establish healthy behaviors for life. Watch Health Matters every Sunday at 11 a.m. on KSTP channel 5. The information on this fact sheet is not meant to substitute for a consultation with your physician, or with another health care professional. Speak with your doctor if you have questions about kids and exercise, or about any medical problem.