Children and Exercise
Monday, April 28, 2008

Dr. Ken Davis provides some tips that can get your kids excited about exercise in today’s 60 Second Housecall.

The American Council on Exercise offers the following suggestions for parents to motivate their children to exercise:

� Don’t just tell your children that exercise is fun - show them.

� Include children in vigorous household tasks, such as gardening or washing the car.

� Plan outings and activities that involve walking, such as exercising the dog or hiking in the woods.

� Check if your local wellness center or gym offers special exercise programs for children.

� Create a reward system to motivate children on the move. Recognize good fitness habits with new equipment, such as a soccer ball, jump rope or even a bike.

� Make team sports fun for children.  Emphasize the positives of improved health, teamwork and self-esteem. Avoid focusing on competition and failure.

� When trying to motivate teenagers to exercise, appeal to their need for entertainment and social interaction. Whenever possible, include their friends in your fitness activities.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.