The arrival of September signals the return to our regular family routines. We insure that our children have their school supplies, new clothes and shoes and are prepared for the upcoming school year. This is also an ideal time to assess your child’s activity level. Regular exercise is critical for your child’s health and wellbeing.

Consider the following statistics:

• In Canada, youth obesity has doubled in the last 15 years
• 7 out of 10 overweight adolescents will become overweight adults
• Obese children watch TV/play video games on average for more than 6 hours/day
• Active children watch TV/play video games on average less than 2 hours/day
• 64% of parents don’t recognize their child’s obesity problem

As a result, more and more children are suffering serious health problems such as Type 2 Diabetes, gallstones, high cholesterol levels, fatty liver, bone and joint problems, asthma, digestive problems, anxiety and depression.

The following are strategies to increase your child’s activity level

• Time all sedentary activities such as TV, video games and the computer
• Buy your child a pedometer. Challenge them to take 10,000 steps a day
• Have fun. Bring play back into daily life with games such as Tag, Hop Scotch and Hide and Seek
• Be creative and plan fitness contests. ie. Most pushups, most crunches, most jumping jacks etc.
• Have a mile club. Walk, jog or run a mile
• Start wheeling, on bikes, roller blades, skateboards and scooters
• Turn up the music and DANCE!
• Go for a hike. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful colours of Fall
• Set a good example by being an active parent
• Most importantly, always reward success

When packing your child’s lunch include healthy, nutritious food. Make choices such as lean turkey breast on whole grain bread, fresh fruit and cut up veggies, whole grain granola bars and milk or water. Avoid sugary snacks, pop, chips, and other calorie dense foods.

Summerfresh offers a unique and convenient Snack N Go prepack of hummus and flatbread. They are available in 3 delicious varieties. Snack N Go dips can be found in the prepared food section at your local grocer. Snack N Go dips make an ideal snack or lunch item and is sure to create some excitement in the school lunchroom!