Staying fit starts with when a body is young. Making sure we teach our children to stay active is one of the most important gifts we can give them. Studies have shown that those who stay active in their youth have less medical worries in later life. Heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes risk is lower and remains lower for those who follow this rule.
Starting when a child is a toddler is the first step. It’s important for a child see a parent staying active and eating the right foods from a young age. Keeping junk food out of the cupboard or the refrigerator at home establishes a routine a child will take into adulthood. Limiting how much television and playing video games is another way to make sure kids don’t become “couch potatoes.” Some parents have replaced the Xbox with the Wii. Replacing sit-down games with games such as tennis and golf are fun and keep a person fit in the process.
Physical education in school is an important next step. Parents and elected officials should make funding for P.E. in schools a high priority because it is so vital for keeping our kids healthy and establishing good habits. Many health clubs are now opening their doors to young preteens and teens. Some health clubs have equipment and programs designed with kids in mind. This kind of supervision keeps them healthy and strong without injury. Large companies such as Boeing in California have health clubs and tracks for their employees. This is a good way to establish in the the employee’s families that keeping fit is important.