It’s important to make a conscious decision to be more active and eat healthier over the holidays. This is something that many people have trouble doing, but by making increased physical activity part of a holiday tradition, it can actually become something that the whole family looks forward to. Oneida County Public Health has looked at a variety of ways to assist people in becoming more active, and the holidays actually offer all kinds of creative and fun outlets for family physical activity. - Dance to your favorite holiday music.
- Encourage a friendly game of football, horseshoes, billiards, ping pong, or other sports for those who wish to go outside.
- Incorporate active ice breakers to learn more about family members.
- Suggest a walk after the “Holiday Dinner” no matter what the weather.
- Involve family members in actively volunteering in a service project to help others.
- If shopping is part of the upcoming holiday season, park the car “a short hike” from the mall entrance.
The Center for Disease Control recommends a guideline of 150 minutes per week of moderate activity. It can become a game to play to see how many different things families can do (at a moderate intensity level) that last at least 10 minutes that count towards the 150 minute guideline.
Family traditions play a crucial role in the healthy or unhealthy choices a family makes about eating and physical activity, and with the holidays just around the corner, why not choose to start some healthy traditions this year. Oneida County Public Health has a great, free resource called Get Moving Oneida County Oneida County
These healthy holiday tips work year round, but trying them out around the holidays may help jumpstart some new family traditions. All the tips focus on small, simple things, that when combined, can have a positive effect on your family’s health and well-being. What are you doing to help create healthy family traditions?
No comments:
Post a Comment