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Here are some examples of possible goals to get your family started:
- Take a 20-minute walk after dinner three nights a week.
- Take a physical activity break during TV commercials by jogging in place, dancing, or doing situps.
- Call the local park district or community center and sign up for a class.
- Go on a bike ride on Saturday mornings instead of watching cartoons.
- Limit screen time to two hours each day.
- Pop in a family-friendly exercise DVD in place of a movie or TV program two times a week.
- Each weekend pick one outdoor project that gets everyone moving for one hour, like cleaning the car, raking the leaves, or cleaning out the garage.
- Track your family’s progress in a log or on a calendar. At the end of the week, look at what you were able to accomplish. If you were unable to meet a goal, try again or perhaps pick another way to get more active. For example, if your family couldn’t enroll in a class at the YMCA, then set up your own 30-minute home fitness class (jumping jacks, walking up and down the stairs, jumping rope, dancing to music) three times a week. Don’t be too hard on yourselves. Change takes time! Keep trying and always celebrate your hard work.
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Healthy Eating, Healthy Weight for Kids and Teens
In a world of fast food, supersized sodas, and televised temptations, this guide shows how to buck the obesity trend currently in the national spotlight—and have fun doing it. Using a family...
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.