If we are active in our everyday lives, our children will be as well. We all have the best intentions at being good parents. We want our children to respect people and everything around them. We want our children to lead happy and fulfilling lives. We also want our children to act responsible when they grow up. As parents, we try to teach our kids a lot, but the greatest example comes from us. When we constantly say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, they eventually will too. It will become second nature to them.

Similarly, we are the ones to teach our kids what a healthy life is by taking care of ourselves. The earlier you start the better, but it is never too late to live an active, healthy life. It is never too late to teach our children about the good things in life and see them grow up and become happy active adults. Within the last decade there has been increased focus on the health-related fitness levels of children.

There is compelling scientific evidence that a sedentary lifestyle carries a significant risk for developing heart disease, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic diseases in adulthood.
 

Several risk factors such as hypertension, elevated blood lipids, obesity and physical inactivity have been identified in children. Researchers claim that for the first time in two centuries, the current generation of children in America may have shorter life expectancies than their parents due to the rapid rise in childhood obesity. But, coupled with healthy eating, promoting exercise for children at an early age will cause physical activity to become a habit and help reverse this trend. 

The best way we can control this is to model the behavior we want for our children. If we are active in our everyday lives, our children will be as well. Living a healthy lifestyle is a lesson parents must take responsibility for and what better way then leading by example. Are you a good role model for your children when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle?

Easy tips for being more active: If starting an exercise program sounds scary, begin by choosing activities that will come easy to you. Also, by choosing activities you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to stick with them. Think about your weekly or daily schedule and look for or make opportunities to be more active. Every little bit helps. Consider the following suggestions: