Keep Kids Active with Play
One way to help prevent childhood obesity is to make sure that kids stay physically active. Children need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. Most schools don’t offer daily PE and if there aren’t places for safe, free activity in the neighborhood, then reaching that 60-minute mark each day can be hard.
We all know that daily physical activity can also take a back seat to electronic gadgets, computers, and television. There are resources out there to help you get your kids up and moving.
Physical Activity and Play
- Make physical activity part of your family’s daily routine by taking family walks or playing active games together. Check out these 10 tips to get your family active.
- Provide your children equipment that encourages physical activity. Be positive about the physical activities in which your child participates and encourage them to be interested in new activities.
- Limit your child’s screen time (e.g. computer, video games, and TV). Encourage your child to find fun activities to do on their own or with friends and family, such as riding bikes or scooters
- Take young people to places where they can be active, such as public parks, community baseball fields or basketball courts. To find a park near you check out our Places to Play.
- Check out our Neon to Nature app and online program to find walking trails near your home. Explore outside with your family.
- Walking and biking are healthy ways to get to and from school. Visit our Safe Routes to School webpage to find out tips for walking and bike to school.
- Getting active can be as easy as putting one foot in front of the other. Join our Walk Around Nevada program and walk your way to better health. Complete one virtual lap around Nevada and receive a hall of fame t-shirt. Download the app for free.
- Make sure your kids are getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep has been linked to increased obesity and poor academic performance. Set a bedtime and stick to it.
