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NCHPAD - Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

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What I Have Learned This Month: Being Active as a Family Takes Creativity


While having a discussion with a fellow health practitioner about physical activity, nutrition, and obesity related to U.S. children, I was caught off guard by how she related these truths to her family situation. On further thought, though, I realized that similar scenarios are probably being recreated in many families. Specifically, she mentioned that after a long day of work outside the home, engaging in physical activity with one’s children may not be an option because of household chores and dinner preparations, and allowing one’s children to play unsupervised outdoors in the evening may be a concern, for safety purposes. Instead, she and other parents keep their children occupied by placing them in front of the television to watch a show or movie.

Though I can understand this challenge, after spending three years working with adults with disabilities who are overweight, I learned that any activity – including household chores – can count as physical activity. Therefore, designate specific household chores for each child to assist with on a daily basis. For example, a younger child can help sort clothes for a load of laundry, while the older sibling assists with clearing and setting the table in preparation for a "sit down dinner" with the family. Such activity allows family members to spend time with each other, contribute to household tasks, and engage in physical activity. With this additional help, there may even be time for an after-dinner walk, a roll around the block as a family, or even a 15-minute after-dinner dance period while listening to a favorite CD.

What I have learned this month is that through creative choices, the entire family can be physically active, and support each other in making healthier choices.

Please send comments and questions to Valerie Lawson at vlawson@uic.edu.


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