Healthy hearts, happy kids

      Too many kids are spending too much time in front of the TV or computer screen, and not enough time running around. As a result, as many as 40 percent of kids today have cardiac risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and inactive lifestyles. Only 32 percent of children ages 6 to 17 meet minimum standards for cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance. And, 40 percent of first graders have at least one coronary artery disease risk factor.
      Engaging your child in some form of exercise is not only about having fun. The earlier a child becomes physically active, the more integral exercise will become to his or her everyday life—and the fewer chronic health problems your child will have later, according to a report by the American Heart Association (AHA).

Get off the couch
For optimal cardiovascular fitness, the AHA recommends that children 5 and older participate in a total of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activities on most days of the week and a minimum of 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity at least three to four days each week. Some ways to get started:
      • Show kids that being active is fun. Parental participation is a big motivating factor: Play games together or organize activities that involve walking, like a trip to the zoo.
      • Concentrate on the positive aspects of exercise and stress participation, not performance. Give lots of reinforcement and recognition.
      • Avoid activities that promote competition, embarrassment, discipline and regimentation.
      • Try something new together, like in-line skating or hiking.
      • Start gradually and build over time. Slowly work up to 30 minutes a day, three to five days a week.
      • Find a local sports program.
      • Encourage sports parties like swimming or skating or playground games.