Health Department

Did you know?

• Children on average spend nearly three hours a day watching TV.
• Only half of children and teens, ages 12 to 21, regularly exercise.
• More than 15% of all school children are considered obese or overweight.
• Overweight teens have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.

Ways to get started

• Find a fun activity. Help your child find a sport that he or she enjoys. The more they like it, the more they will become physically active.
• Plan ahead. Make sure there is a convenient time for kids to play.
• Provide a safe environment. Make sure the equipment is in good shape and your child is dressed appropriately.
• Use active toys. Younger children need easy access to balls, jump ropes and other active toys.
• Be a role model. Children who regularly see their parents enjoying sports and physical activity are more likely to do so themselves.
• Play with your child.

Limit television watching and computer use. No more than 1 to 2 hours of screen time is recommended each day. Yes, this includes TV, movies, tablets, computers and video games