View the 
Fit Kids
 Brochure

Participate in local and national activities
that promote healthy eating and physical activity.
Download “Fit Kids Back to School Activities 2009".

	Be Active This Winter

Winter is here but cold weather should not be a reason to hibernate or avoid exercise. Many activities can be enjoyed indoors while just beyond your front door, a variety of outdoor activities are also available. Adults and children need exercise year round – 30 minutes is recommended for adults most days of the week while children should get 60 minutes daily. Here are some suggestions for staying active this season.

Maximize Indoor Play Spaces

Use available indoor space to its maximum to make it possible for the family to stay active. Dancing, jogging in place, simple exercise routines (jumping jacks, toe touches etc), and yoga don’t require a lot of space. Set up a simple walking path or obstacle course in the house. A bean bag toss is another activity that can easily be accommodated indoors. Ask your children to select exercise videos at the library and use this as an opportunity to try new exercise routines. Limit screen and computer time to 2 hours even when staying at home.

Try Outdoor Activities

If dressed appropriately, cold weather should not be a deterrent to taking a hike, building a snowman, sledding, ice skating or enjoying the many winter outdoor activities. Warm up with some stretching exercises before going outside.

Dress in layers. The layer closest to the body should consist of synthetic fiber to “wick” sweat away from your body. Avoid cotton, which absorbs and holds moisture close to the body. The next layer is for insulation. Try clothing made of fleece, a lightweight quick drying material that provides good insulation. The top layer should be as windproof and waterproof as possible. This outermost layer can be removed first if the day gets warmer.

Keep your extremities warm. Your head, feet, and hands are highly vulnerable to the cold. Wool or polypropylene socks help insulate and wick moisture. Remember that
wearing too many layers of socks can cause boots to be too tight which reduces circulation and makes your toes feel even colder. Mittens are generally warmer than gloves because they retain heat around your fingers. In extreme cold, wear polypropylene glove liners. A lot of heat can be lost if your head is exposed. Wear a wool or fleece hat that wicks perspiration and covers your ears. Face masks covering your nose and mouth help protect your face on cold, windy days and keep the air you breath warmer.

Remember to drink plenty of water. Although it may be cold, you can still get dehydrated. Continue to drink plenty of fluids during the winter to keep hydrated and to help prevent your skin from drying. Remember to drink before and after an activity.

If it’s too cold or icy for outdoor activity, visit the mall for some brisk walking. Explore community recreation center offerings such as the YMCA or Boys & Girls Club. Reasonably priced or free classes may be available for all family members.

 

Take the APOGEE Fit Kids Challenge. Westchester County government is joining forces with APOGEE Pilates & Wellness Centers, a new Pilates-based wellness center, to kick-off the APOGEE Fit Kids Challenge and encourage students and their parents to practice healthy activities at home and in school this spring. Students can award themselves points for engaging in physical activity, limiting their TV and gaming time and eating healthy snacks, which are key to preventing obesity. The program engages parents in the process by asking them to sign off on their accomplishments. View the Fit Kids Challenge Brochure

No Junk Food Week March 2009
View the No Junk Food Week flyer    Download the No Junk Food Week Contract    Healthy Snacks flyer (English/Spanish)   Letter to Parents (English)   (Spanish)             -Healthy snack recipes for home             -Healthy snack recipes for schools

 

See what schools are doing for the 
Fit Kids Campaign: