According to a study by the American Dietetic Association Foundation, children chose parents —not celebrities or sports figures—as their number one role model, regardless of the child's age.  So what are you teaching your kids about physical activity?  Settling in for the night with a family TV show, spending hours off in a corner on the computer, or telling the kids to go out and play while you relax are all examples of modeling an inactive lifestyle.   This can lead to overweight children and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend children get at least one hour of Physical Activity most days and adults should get at least 30 minutes a day for health benefits.  Parents can model healthy habits by finding ways to be active in their daily routines and making activity a household priority.  It can be a challenge to find the time to be active, so here are some great tips to help you be a physically active role model.

• Morning stretches.  What a great way to calm a usually hectic morning.  Add a 10-minute stretch to the morning routine to get everyone’s head clear for the coming day.  Sun Salutation is a simple one.
• Dance with your kids.  Let them pick out some of their favorite music and share some of yours.  It’s a great way to learn about each other and have fun doing it.  You can fit it in before dinner.
• Go fly a kite.  Literally.  Why not share your favorite childhood game with your kids.  Freeze tag, Red Rover or Twister are all ways to show your kids that you are an active all-star.

Being active helps build and maintain bones, muscles, and joints, improves self-esteem and feelings of well-being and reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.  So be a Role Model and get moving!

For more tips on how to make health and fitness a household priority visit www.mypyramid.gov or call Cornell Cooperative Extension.  You may also be eligible for a free six week program, from Eat Smart New York (ESNY).   If you live in Fulton or Montgomery Counties and would like to find out more information about ESNY, contact Roseann at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Fulton and Montgomery Counties, 518-762-3909 ext. 116.