School's Out… School's Out…
Teachers let the Students Out!
Summer vacation is a great time for families to be active together. While recommended levels of physical activity for children is 60 minutes a day on 5 or more days of the week, the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of 9th-12th grade students in Alaska found that less than half met the recommendations. While boys were more likely than girls to meet the recommendations, both became less active as they got older.
Families can find Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition. WE CAN is a national program to encourage families to increase physical activity and healthy eating.
Tips to increase physical activity:
- Make time – identify opportunities for family activities
- Bring others into it – invite others for social support
- Energize yourself – take advantage of peak periods of the day or week
- Stay motivated – write activities on the calendar
- Build new skills – ask friends to share their talents
- Use available resources – look for free community events
- Make the most of all conditions – brainstorm activities for any kind of weather
