(NAPSI)–You made it through the shortest days of the year, and now that the days are longer, take time to add more physical activity to your familys day. Balancing your childs school day, homework and other activities can be hectic, but making small changes this spring can lead to big rewards. Before you know it, your family will become a more active and healthier bunch.

Parents are role models for their children. When your children see you eating right and being physically active, theres a good chance theyll do the same. Living a healthier, more physically active lifestyle doesnt require expensive sporting equipment or memberships. There are fun, creative ways to improve your familys physical activity habits.

To start, monitor your familys daily activities for one week. Identify times when your family could increase its physical activity. Each week, add more activity into your familys routine.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Play a game of tag instead of watching television. Tag provides fun and physical activity. Children love itespecially if they can chase their parentsand it increases everyones heart rate at the same time.

Start a family garden. Begin getting the soil ready to plant flowers and vegetables. If you have limited space, try growing herbs in pots. Homegrown vegetables and herbs are great money savers and ensure youll have something available for healthy summer meals and snacks. Fresh herbs are also a tasty alternative to salt when cooking.

Go old school. Help your children draw hopscotch or four square courts on the sidewalk. Sidewalk chalk is a colorful and inexpensive way for children to create their own activity space.

Plan a nature scavenger hunt. Pick up small nets and mason jars for kids to use to catch butterflies or interesting insects, and collect flowers in the neighborhood or at a local park.

Help your children organize a neighborhood softball or kickball game with their friends. Pitch in by planning healthy snacks and drinks to keep everyone energized during games.

Start with small steps to get your family to move more. Making little changes can help everyone maintain a healthy weight.

For more tips on how to help your family live a healthier lifestyle, visit the We Can! (Ways to Enhance Childrens Activity & Nutrition) website: wecan.nhlbi.nih.gov.

 

On the Net: North American Precis Syndicate(NAPSI)