Summer is right around the corner, and that means your kids will be taking a break from school and you will be taking a break from chauffeuring.
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month [1], sponsored by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. The purpose of the celebration is to spread the word about the importance of getting active – not only for your children, but for the entire family.
Physical activity helps keep your mind and body healthy. It helps control weight, improve mental health and lower the risk for early death, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and, according to many studies, some cancers.
I know Floridians don’t have the same enthusiasm for summer as do people in other parts of the country, but in Florida the entire family benefits from physical activity every day of the year.
Let’s take advantage of it!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [2]:
- Children and adolescents benefit because physical activity can improve muscular fitness and bone and heart health.
- Adults benefit because physical activity can lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer
- Older adults benefit because physical activity can lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive function (like judgment and learning).
Let’s Move [3] /America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids offers several ideas on how to have fun with your family and keep everyone moving.
- Give your children toys that encourage physical activity, like balls, kites and jump ropes.
- Encourage your children to join a sports team or try a new sport.
- Spend time together doing a fun activity – go to the park, go to the pool or (beach) or go for a bike ride.
- Walk around the block after a meal.
Our experts at Doctors Hospital’s Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offer five tips to help you avoid injury while you are enjoying your favorite outdoor activities:.
Tip 1:
Warm -up, cool down and stretch correctly before physical activity.
Tip 2:
Don’t over do it; – stop when you are fatigued.
Tip 3:
Use good technique. Don’t sacrifice form for a longer workout or more repetitions.
Tip 4:
Wear the right protective equipment.
Tip 5:
Hydrate and eat well.
So get off the couch, stop playing video games, get out of the house and start moving.
You will feel better, look better and you will have fun with your family.
Enjoy the summer!