Prevent Obesity—Get Th (NAPSA)—Today, one out of every six children is overweight— nearly double the number of 20 years ago. re a is ie? hy Because research has shown that those who are physically inactive as children tend to re- main so as adults, many of these Po! = ‘tna SS kids will grow up to become prime candidates for heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Recently, the National Associa- tion for Sports and Physical Edu- cation, a non-profit association representing 40,000 sports and physical educators, issued a set of national activity guidelines for young children. They recommend that even toddlers and preschoolers participate in 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity each day. What can parents do to help? There are several activities parents can use to get kids moving: Running: Important for almost every sport, this fundamental motor skill is still a child favorite. Help them learn about pace by asking them to run to a tempo as you clap your hands. Catching: Playing a simple game of catch can enhance handeye coordination skills and build lasting bonds. Children, 2 to 38, will try to catch with their arms - fiche ig. FOOLeetost Rete Po or sie . ‘ La a haa Liat a wa ah —- Lai. Fie. ad "See ' es. | Fun and fitness-promoting activities can help your child live a healthierlife. children’s sports, soccer. For chil- dren 2 to 3, line up a row ofdifferent-sized balls. Have them kick each as hard as they can. For children 4 to 6, roll a variety of balls toward your child and have them try to kick each one in succession. e Striking: Many sports involve the ability to hit a moving object. For kids 2 to 3, place a large, soft ball on a tee and have your child swing away with a plastic bat. For children 4 to 6, toss the soft ball to your child and have him or hertry to strike it with the bat. Parents can learn more through a brochure, Active Kids, created by Fisher-Price. The brochure offers wide open, so use oversized balls. e Kicking: Learning to manipulate a ball with the foot develops fitness advice andtips to help kids ical skill in that most popular of call 1-800-432-5437. balance, leg strength andis crit- “Grow to Pro” from the publishers of Healthy Kids. For a free copy,
