Physical Activity

Your child needs regular physical activity through play and sports to stay fit. Good exercise habits learned early can help your child become an active an healthy adult. Adults who are physically active are less likely to become overweight or to have heart disease, high blood pressure, and other diseases. Set a good example for your child---get regular physical exercise yourself.

• Encourage your child to walk or ride a bicycle to school or to visit friends.
  
  
• Plan physical activities with family or friends; exercise is more fun with others.
  
  
• Limit the time your child spends watching TV to less than 2 hours per day. Encourage going out to a playground, park, gym, or swimming pool instead.
  
  
• Encourage your child to be actively involved in sports, rather than only being an observer.
  
  
• Find out about exercise or sports programs at your child's school or in your community.
  
  
• Encourage children with disabilities to participate in physical activities as much as possible.
  
  
• Exercise should be fun. Don't make winning the only goal.
  
  

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