National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

 
 
May 1st – 31st is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

What a great time to promote the benefits of physical activity for adults.

Getting active increases your chances of living longer and can help you:

   *Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and     weight
   *Raise your "good" cholesterol
   *Prevent heart disease, colorectal cancer, and     type 2 diabetes

Here are some tips to help you get active:

  *Aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate activity a week. This     includes things like walking fast, dancing, or biking.

  *Do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Be sure to     strengthen all major muscle groups including the legs, hips, back, chest,     stomach, shoulders, and arms.

It's also the perfect time to teach your children a healthy lifestyle and help combat childhood obesity by getting your child more physically active and interested in sports.

Getting your child involved in soccer, t-ball, flag football, or gymnastics, etc., can help them build motor skills, encourage a healthy lifestyle and continued physical activity as they get older. Although some parents may want to avoid the competitive environment, it's important to remember most youth sports for younger kids are non-competitive.

Unfortunately, around age 9 is when many sports begin to get competitive. If your child isn't interested in competitive sports take this month to find a sport or league that can get them more active. Check your local YMCA, schools, and church leagues.

 


Presidential Proclamation--National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

 
For info:
President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Dept W, Tower Building, Ste 560, 1101 Wootton Pkwy, Rockville, MD 20852.
Phone: (240) 276-9567. Fax: (240) 276-9860.
Web: www.fitness.gov or www.presidentschallenge.org.