Children’s Fitness: Helping Your Child Stay Active
These days it's probably more common to find a remote, keyboard or video game controller in the hands of a child at play than a ball, glove or earthworm. And because physical activity is so important during the formative years of children's lives, it's crucial to ensure they're getting the exercise they need. Use the Children's Fitness Web Guide to get insight into childhood exercise and tips for getting kids off the couch and into the yard.
Expand All Guide SectionsExercises for Kids
The amount of exercise a child requires is largely dependent upon age, and balance must be struck, ... read more »
Fun Fitness for Kids
Chances are you'll have better luck getting your child moving if there's an element of fun to the ... read more »
Nutrition for Kids
Physical fitness is about more than just exercise—it’s about good nutrition. In today's fast-food environment, eating a healthy diet isn’t always easy. Visit the following Web sites for information on nutrition for kids.
Insights for Nutrition for Kids
- It may not be easy for you to tell whether your child is overweight; a body mass index (BMI) calculator for kids can help. Before taking any additional steps, though, discuss the matter with your child’s doctor.
- Don’t put your child on a diet “unless your health care provider tells you to. If children do not eat enough, they may not grow and learn as well as they should,” according to the Weight-control Information Network.
- Have a picky eater in your household? Don’t despair. Experts say that children may need to be served a food at least 10 times before they will actually eat it.
Top Sites for Nutrition for Kids
For general nutrition for kids …
AHealthyMe.com
is a site maintained by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Read up on nutrition issues as they apply to overweight and underweight children. Also learn how to work fiber into your child's diet, and how to make quick and healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Children’s Nutrition Research Center
of Baylor College of Medicine offers advice on a wide variety of topics, such as school lunches, fruits and vegetables, and picky eaters. Don’t miss the Healthy Eating Plan Calculator to ensure that children receive the proper amounts of fruit, vegetables, grains, milk, meats and oils each day.
Parents
offers a complete "Kid Nutrition" section full of ideas on how to raise healthy eaters. Find slideshows, recipes and articles devoted to helping your child eat better.
American Dietetic Association
is the largest organization of food and nutrition professionals in the United States. Use the links on the left to find fact sheets on nutrition, a series of brochures about nutrition and healthy lifestyles, and a recommended reading list.
For overweight children …
Weight-control Information Network
offers general suggestions for improving the fitness of an overweight child, such as encouraging healthy eating and activity habits, being supportive and discouraging sedentary pursuits.
Fitness for Children With Special Needs
Children with disabilities face unique challenges, but in many instances they can still participate ... read more »
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