myOptumHealth Store Affiliate News - August 16, 2012

Written by myoptumhealthstore on . Posted in Health & Beauty, Offers/Promotions, Promotion/Offer

Back to School: Save 10% + Free Shipping On All Purchases! Get ready to hit the books with a healthy start to the school year. Save 10% plus free shipping on all purchases, including fitness equipmentvitamins and more at the www.myOptumHealthStore.com. Here are the details: Save 10% Plus Free Shipping on All Purchases (8/16-8/31), Code SCHOOL10                                               Great Fitness Information for your Customers and Readers As an affiliate, you are welcome to use the content below to promote our products.

They Won't Know It's Exercise: Active Play Ideas for Kids

Does your child roll his eyes at the thought of exercise? These ideas for active play will help him or her want to get off the couch. Think back to your favorite childhood game. Was it hopscotch, tag, hide-and-seek? Ask kids now what their choice game is, and they'll probably answer with the name of a computer or video game.

A sitting problem

Kids today are less active than previous generations. One in four children does not take part in any leisure time physical activity. Instead, they squander too much time being sedentary. Most kids spend four to five hours in front of the TV, computer or video game screen each day. A lack of exercise -- plus poor food choices and larger portion sizes -- is at least partly to blame for the childhood obesity problem in our country. About one in three children and teens is overweight or obese. Weighing too much can potentially lead to serious health conditions, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Many parents place obesity as their number one health concern for their children, above drug use and cigarette smoking.

What to do about it

Experts say children need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day to stay healthy. Ask your doctor about a good activity level for your child and check with your own doctor for an OK for you to participate. Here's how to help them reach that goal:
    • Cut down on "screen" time. Limit the time your child spends watching TV, playing video or computer games and texting friends to less than two hours each day. Then, fill their extra time with hobbies that are more physically active.
    • Be a good role model. You are your child's biggest influence. If you make exercise a priority each day and have a positive attitude about it, your son or daughter will be more apt to follow suit. Invite your child to be active with you. Take a stroll around the neighborhood after dinner instead of watching TV.
    • Help kids find activities they enjoy. Not every child is meant to be a star athlete. But there are many ways to get physical activity besides playing traditional sports. And, keep in mind that physical activity doesn't have to be structured. An impromptu game of mini-golf or an afternoon spent at the ice skating rink all count.

Making fitness fun

If your kids balk at the thought of a workout, try these ideas for active play. They'll have so much fun they won't realize they are exercising:
    1. Take active family outings. Plan family activities and vacations so they include exercise. Hike at a local park, swim during beach trips or sightsee in a new city on foot or by bike.
    2. Have a contest with your child. See who can jump rope longer, do more sit-ups, shoot more baskets or keep up the hula-hooping longest. Repeat the competition often.
    3. Dance! Play fun music at home and dance with your child. Try dancing while cleaning or during commercial breaks of TV shows.
    4. Play Simon Says. Tell your kids that "Simon" says to do jumping jacks, run around the backyard or hop on one foot.
    5. Host active parties. At your child's birthday celebration or next family gathering, start a volleyball game or Frisbee toss.
    6. Clean quickly. Most kids don't like doing chores. But they'd probably like them more if they took less time to complete. Time how long it takes your child to get through his chores. Then encourage him to beat his time during the next round of cleaning. Make sure the chores are being done well, though, without cutting corners.
    7. Train for a race. Sign yourself and your child up for a local charity walk or run. Many running races offer short "fun run" options for kids.
    8. Tackle the obstacles. Set up an obstacle course in your backyard or at a park using playground equipment, jump ropes, balls and cones.
    9. Do yard work. Ask your child to help you rake leaves, plant veggies or weed. Encourage your kids to care for their garden. You may also nurture a love for nature in the process.
    10. Scrub a dub dub. Allow your kids to help you wash the car or the windows. Playing in the water and soap suds is fun for kids. And they may take pride in helping you out.
Reprinted from myOptumHealth.com By Jenilee Matz, MPH, Contributing Writer   Sources: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Tips for getting active. Accessed: 05/29/2012 American Council on Exercise. 10 fun fitness summer activities for kids. Accessed: 05/29/2012 American Heart Association. Understanding childhood obesity. Accessed: 05/29/2012   Do you need some inspiration for family activities? Check out the Fitness & Exercise products at the myOptumHealth Store.
We're here to help! The myOptumHealth Store affiliate program is managed by ebove & beyond. Please feel free to contact us with any special requests, questions, or feedback. Jennifer Myers Ward & Rick Magennis myoptumhealthstoreaffiliates@gmail.com  

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