HEALTHY LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY FROM THE WESTFIELD AREA Y

Summer has come to an end, children are back to school and the feeling of fall is in the air. The Westfield Area Y understands how important developing and maintaining healthy habits is throughout the seasons and offers healthy tips for the entire family.

A great way to start building a healthy lifestyle is to incorporate more activity and healthier eating habits into your daily family routine:

· Eat Healthy: Make water the drink of choice (supplemented by age-appropriate portions of 100 percent fruit juices and low-fat milk) and make it easy for everyone to fill half their plate with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options. Feel free to mix and match fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables to provide a variety.

· Play Every Day/Go Outside: Kids should have at least an hour a day of uninstructed play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity.

· Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible with kids involved in meal preparation and clean up. In addition, adults should take a break from electronics and spend one-on-one time each day with their kids, enjoying one another’s company.

· Reduce Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone or video games should be limited to two hours per day.

· Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule of 10-12 hours per night for kids and seven to eight hours for adults.

There is also a need to maintain healthy habits while outside the home. The Westfield Area Y offers classes, programs and activities for adults, children, teens and families to help stay active and engaged throughout the year. Y certified staff are also available to assist in developing exercise programs that are right for your family’s needs.

Registration is going on now for the Fall 1 session. Visit www.westfieldynj.org to learn more about the Westfield Area Y programs. Members can register online and non-members can visit the Welcome Center at the Main Y facility, 220 Clark Street in Westfield.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Pictured here: Westfield Area Y Parent/Child swim classes provide a great opportunity to bond as a family.