For more detailed
information on all
maternity classes,
visit
valleycare.com/
maternityclasses
.
A
prescription for healthy kids could
include something like this: Be
active every day, play hard and
have fun.
This kind of regular exercise builds
strong muscles and bones. According
to the American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP), it also strengthens kids’ hearts
and lungs, which may help protect them
from heart problems as they get older.
And active kids are more likely to sidestep
obesity and the health problems that go
with it.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
The AAP recommends at least 60 minutes
of physical activity each day for children.
That can seem like a lot if your child isn’t
used to exercise.
That’s where the fun part comes in.
When kids are enjoying themselves, that
hour—or more—of exercise can y by.
These tips from the AAP and other
experts can help get your kids
moving:
w
Encourage them to join a team sport, such
as soccer, basketball or volleyball.
w
Take them to places where other kids are
playing, such as public parks and school
playgrounds.
w
Keep sports equipment handy. If you have
a jump rope, a basketball, tennis rackets or
a softball and glove in the closet, your kids
can easily grab them and go.
w
If it’s a safe route, encourage your child
to walk or bike to school. Make sure your
biker wears a helmet.
w
Have kids help around the house. Dusting,
gardening or vacuuming—they’re all
good habits that double as exercise.
w
O set screen time. Kids sitting in front of a
TV or computer are, well, sitting. Challenge
them to log at least as much active time as
screen time. Enforce it by limiting screen
time to two hours a day or less.
A FAMILYMATTER
You can give your child a head start on
an active lifestyle if you make it part of
your family’s routine. Bundle up and add
a family walk or bike ride to your evenings
and weekends. Take the kids to the
local ice rink, play some one-on-one
at a gym or go bowling together. Or
play an old-fashioned game of tag or
hide-and-seek.
Keeping Kids
ACTIVE
IN WINTER
With activities for kids and adults,
ValleyCare’s award-winning
wellness center, LifeStyleRx, is
just the place for families. Let a
certified trainer at LifeStyleRx turn
family training into an opportunity
to get fit and have fun together!
Visit
or call
925-454-6342
today.
Childbirth
Preparation Class
Tuesdays, March 4, April 8,
May 6, 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Saturdays, Feb. 22,
March 15, April 12,
May 17, 9 am to 3 pm
Offers a range of
information including the
birth process, labor and
delivery coaching and
labor painmanagement
and interventions.
Recommended in third
trimester.
Infant CPR
Wednesdays, Feb. 19;
March 12, 19; April 9, 16;
7 to 9 pm
Sundays, Feb. 23, March 16,
April 13, 9:30 to 11 am
This single-session class
teaches cardiopulmonary
resuscitation for infants up
to 12 months.
Sibling Class
Sunday, March 16,
3:30 to 5 pm
Help young siblings (ages
3 to 6) prepare for the
arrival of a new baby.
Upcoming
ValleyCare.com/maternity | Winter 2014
