Stay active during back to school

As the new school year begins, it’s important to maintain healthy habits for the entire family. Just as families make time to shop for new school supplies, schedule time for homework and sign up for the latest after-school activities, it’s also time to prioritize your family’s overall health. September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and the time to raise awareness for a healthy lifestyle.

“Families should engage in healthy habits together, including getting enough physical activity and eating smart,” stated Len Saunders, author of Generation Exercise and volunteer expert for the American Heart Association from Montville, NJ. “Simple habits such as taking a walk together or eating more fruits and vegetables with every meal can add up to big results.”

Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese. This is nearly triple the rate in 1963. Childhood obesity can lead to a broad range of health problems including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels.

Kids and teens should be getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. By getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet, children can learn at a young age how to take care of their bodies.

Americans’ sedentary lifestyles are increasing their risk for cardiovascular diseases, but small steps—both the kind we take and the kind we make—lead to big gains and can help you become Healthy for Good. Whether it’s walking, running, biking, swimming, playing sports or doing yoga – just move more!

Want to take the first steps to a healthier lifestyle? Walking is a great way for the family to get out and get active together. Join the American Heart Association, and families across the state, to make a change in your life and the lives of your loved ones at the Central New Jersey Heart Walk. To learn more about the Heart Walk, visit www.CentralNJHeartWalk.org or call 609.223.3784 or email patti.harvey@heart.org.