On a scale of one to 10, obesity ranks uncomfortably high as a threat to the nation's health. Unfortunately, the rates of obesity in the United States continue to gain, with about one-third of the adults overweight and nearly another third obese. Obesity in both young people and adults is responsible for higher rates of diabetes, hypertension and other health problems.
While a big part of the problem is the amount of food put on families' plates, another part is not getting enough physical exercise. Although there are countless ways parents and youngsters can participate in activities together, it doesn't always happen.
To encourage families to engage in recreational activities and sports, a poster has been created called "20 Tips For Getting Your Family On Track." The poster-available in English and Spanish-is part of an ongoing partnership between Sweet'N Low? and Shape Up America!, a not-for-profit organization that promotes physical activity and healthy weight management. The tips, which are easy to do and fun for the family, include:
? Plan cycling trips on safe trails by calling your bike club.
? Shoot some basketball hoops.
? Use a pedometer to count the number of steps taken each day (2,000 steps equals about one mile).
? Jump rope-practice rhythms, rhymes and tricks.
? Try to always use the stairs.
? Schedule regular times for activity throughout the week.
Many are surprised about how much they can do to reverse the trend of obesity in America and to promote a healthy lifestyle for their family-one that balances food intake with physical activity.
Author: Stacey Moore
Author Bio:
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and DOE. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov. Using energy efficiently at home can be as easy as changing a light bulb.
