Healthy Living in Oakridge -

Last Update: 07/29/07

Healthy Living in Oakridge

Make Healthy Habits a Family Affair

from the Cooper Aerobics Center www.cooperaerobics.com

Have you ever thought about the traditions and practices that you've inherited from your family? Stop for a minute and make a list of the healthy habits that have stayed with you over the years. Can you think of some you would like to add-and pass on to your children and grandchildren? It's not too late! Here are some ideas to consider.

Fitness

Be a role model. Studies indicate that there's a direct relationship between how active children become as adults and the level of physical activity they saw in their parents while growing up. (What a strong enticement for you to get active!)
Get off the couch. Take a break from TV by planning one family physical activity outing a week. Let your child help pick the activity and location. Check out classes you can take together, such as karate.
Give presents that promote physical activity. Inline skates, hula hoops, bicycles, baseball gloves and other sports equipment make excellent gifts.
Have your child help with household chores. Teach your children responsibility by having them clean the house, mow the yard, wash the car, etc.
Help your child find the appropriate activity. Your son or daughter may not enjoy the same activities you've always liked-but that's OK. Help them find something they are good at, and encourage them to stick with it so they can improve and feel confident in their ability.

Nutrition

Again, be a role model. If you're not eating five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day, how can you expect them to do the same?
Teach your child how to snack. That's right. They don't need to give up snacks-they just need to eat snack foods that are nutritious, such as apple slices, orange wedges, carrot sticks, peanut butter on whole-wheat crackers, etc.
Get them involved. Kids are more likely to enjoy the food that they personally prepare. Supervise them until they are capable of doing it by themselves.
Don't be too pushy. Kids who are pushed to try new foods are less likely to try those foods again than children who decide for themselves. Parents who serve meals in a relaxed manner help minimize a child's negative emotions.

General Wellness

Establish a pattern. A routine is important to a child. Even when young, children thrive on regular bedtimes, meal times and nap times because it gives them structure in their lives.
Smokers - quit smoking. Nonsmokers - talk with your children about the dangers of smoking. Smoke is unhealthy for your family members to inhale, and youngsters are more likely to pick up the habit if they think it's a cool "adult" thing to do.

This copyrighted article appeared in Impact: The Cooper Institute's Guidelines To Healthy Living, published by HealthInvest, Inc.