Back to School

It’s that time of year again, it’s back to school time! With all the preparations needed to be made who has time to think about keeping the family healthy and active, right? Wrong, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services both adults and students are more likely to succeed in work and school if they are healthy and active. We want what’s best for our family so encourage a healthy active lifestyle all year around!

Healthy and happy
Encourage your family to keep physical activity by taking daily walks or cycling before or after school/work. If possible walk or cycle to school/work daily or as a treat once a week. Plan physical activity or play dates with your family on the weekends or anytime your family has extra time together.

Help your children learn to make healthy food choices by inviting them along to shop for healthy snacks. Make healthy sack lunches for your family daily or as a treat once a week. Lead your family by example, include plenty of fruits and vegetables in both your children’s snacks and yours. A healthy family is a happy one.

How much is enough
Encourage children to be physically active for one hour a day five days a week as recommended by the American Heart Association. Teach your children active games they can play on their own, like hopscotch or jumping rope. Plan to play games like tag, soccer or baseball when the family has time together.

Adults are recommended to be physically active 30 minutes a day five days a week by the American Heart Association. Whether you’re interested in walking, cycling, dancing, swimming or strength training find what you enjoy and do that. If you need help getting started or would like to participate in group exercise classes call or stop by the City of Los Fresnos for information on the free Community Health Outreach Program.

Break the Habit
Avoid spending too much time sitting in front of the television or computer while at home even after the family’s physical activity is completed.

Avoid consuming foods high in sugar, fat and sodium. Eat real food and remember to never skip meals. Skipping meals is often the reason we over eat and it slows down the metabolism which can lead to excess weight gain. It’s never too late to change a bad habit into a great one!

Resources
American Heart Association
U.S. Health and Human Services

Attend FREE exercise classes offered by the City of Los Fresnos at Los Fresnos Memorial Park.

For more information contact Los Fresnos City Hall at (956) 233-5768 or Christine De La Rosa, Los Fresnos Community Health Worker at 956-407-3348 or email at [email protected].