All in the Family

Lead by Example and Your Children Will Follow

By Kathryn Feather

IN A FAST-FOOD SOCIETY OF VALUE MEALS AND SUPER-SIZE OPTIONS, CONVENIENCE OFTEN TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER NUTRITION, AND ADULTS ARE THE FIRST OFFENDERS. This couch-potato example has created a generation of children who sit in front of their television playing video games about sports, rather than engaging in the sports themselves. This poor example has proven detrimental to us and our children, as obesity rates are on the rise in both categories, along with diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease.

You've probably seen the alarming news reports and the shock-value commercials with the adorable children asking for diabetes, preservatives and high-fructose corn syrup, as if they were ordering dinner at their favorite fast-food location. It might seem extreme, but it's hard to deny that obesity is becoming a major problem in this country. It's time for us, as parents, to set a good example. We can't expect our children to suddenly become active if they see us slumped on the couch, TV remote in one hand and potato chips in the other. But how do we even begin to convince our kids to move from the television to the front yard for some much-needed exercise?

Health and fitness experts advise parents to help their children establish a lifelong appreciation for fitness and good health. The Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com/health/fitness) offers tips for getting kids off the couch - it all starts with parents setting the right example. If we grumble and complain about exercising, how can we expect our kids to view fitness as anything other than a chore?

Some easy options for increasing your family's fitness participation can be found in everyday life. For example, instead of circling the parking lot, searching for the closest space to the entrance of the store, park farther away and make the walk. Instead of using the elevator or escalator at the mall, take the stairs. Both of these options provide an easy and inexpensive opportunity to burn some calories.

The Mayo Clinic also emphasizes limiting your child's screen time - that includes television, video games, the computer and text messaging. Figure out how many hours a day your child spends engaged in these activities, and cut that time in half. If your child can't live without their video games, encourage games that use a player's physical movements to control what happens on screen. This will boost the amount of calories your child burns by increasing the amount of energy they expend.

It's also recommended that you establish a routine of physical activity for you and your children. Involve the entire family in walking the dog, washing the car, doing yard work or just taking a stroll after dinner. As everyone becomes more active and fit, gradually introduce new activities into the routine.