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Staying fit

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Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in the U.S. have tripled. Today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. Give your child a healthy start by promoting healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

@ YOUR LIBRARY

  • Libraries are home to resources for kids, teens and adults on nutrition, diet, sports, dance and exercise.
  • Introduce your baby to movement while bonding at the same time. Story time programs include movement, from bouncing baby on your lap to dancing. Some libraries also offer yoga for moms and infants.
  • Keep teens moving at the library. See what teen programs your library hosts for keeping teens active through Wii™ and DanceDanceRevolution®, yoga, karate and more.

AT HOME & IN THE COMMUNITY

  • Go outside! Experts recommend kids get at least 60 minutes of active play each day. Beyond riding bikes, baseball and basketball, try something new together, like Tai Chi or hacky sack. For inspiration, check to see what media your library has for discovering new outdoor games and activities.
  • Hit the trails. Check your library to see what guides might be available on local parks and nature areas.
  • Make a run for the library. Literally! If your library is close enough to home, jog, bike or walk to your local library.
Childhood Obesity--Tips on How to Connect with Your Kids, Keep Weight Under Control
Diverse group of children playing on grass

Epidemic in childhood obesity requires parents to get more involved

If you are concerned about your children and their weight, the following information will not be comforting. Childhood obesity has increased by 30 percent in the past few decades, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Exercise Your Options
Woman executing yoga pose

Besides the obvious health benefits, exercise offers a great opportunity to try new experiences, to meet new people and to broaden your perspective. Think yoga’s for sissies? Maybe until you’ve tried it. Not sure what this Zumba craze is about? Lace up your sneakers and get ready to shake your tail-feathers. Only run if someone’s chasing you? Clocking in a decent time at your city’s next community racing event may not be so laughable after all.

Family Fitness @ your library
Girl Hula Hooping at family fitness festival.

Concerned about your kids and childhood obesity? Your fight against childhood obesity is an open book with the aid of your local library. The two main causes of childhood obesity are diet and a lack of or insufficient physical exercise. Libraries are home to thousands of books, CDs and videos on nutrition, diet, sports, dance and exercise.  

Fun Outdoor Games and Ways to Create Your Own
Kids playing outdoors

Even on the sunniest of days, the lure of television and video games can keep you indoors. But there are troves of treasure waiting to be discovered at your local library. Libraries are not just for doing homework; they also have countless activity books, Web sites and fun outdoor events that you can check out.

Books contain all kinds of secrets and fun things to do outside, such as how to find animal tracks in the city.