Schools nationwide have been participating in the annual Walk to School Week, which encourages children and their parents to walk or bike to school, the Manitowoc Herald Times reports. The initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, encourages children to engage in simple physical activities to help reduce obesity and prevent related illnesses. According to a National Safe Routes to School report, walking to school daily during the 180-day school year provides a child an average 120 extra hours of physical activity and saves families time and the expense of gas. The week, which began Monday, culminates with national Walk to School Day on October 8. According to the National Center for Safe Routes to Schools Web site, more than 2,700 schools, across all 50 states, participated in Walk to School Day in 2007 (Millard, Manitowoc Herald Times, 10/6/08; International Walk to School in the USA Web site).
(Editor's note: RWJF provides support to the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, a network of more than 250 organizations and professional groups working to set goals, share best practices, secure funding and inform agencies that implement SRTS.)
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Tip of the Day 12
Dance, dance, dance as a family.
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Tip of the Day 1
It’s hard to tell how much we’re eating when we’re distracted by the TV. Don’t snack while watching shows.
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Tip of the Day 2
Bright colored foods make meals more fun. Add orange and purple fruits and vegetables to make the table more colorful.
Tip of the Day 5
All forms of fruit count-- fresh, frozen, canned, dried or 100% juice. They make easy, healthy snacks too!
Tip of the Day 11
Ask your child to move and sound like an animal. Take pictures.
Kids learn from their parents. If you eat fruits and veggies, so will they.
Use low-fat milk instead of whole. It's better for your child and tastes good too
Tip of the Day 4
For a healthy snack, add low-fat cheese to whole-grain crackers. A serving of cheese is 1 ounce: about the size of two dominos. Six medium-size crackers are one serving.
Tip of the Day 10
For indoor play, ask your child to make a shape with their body: round, flat, tall etc.
Tip of the Day 8
Make your own Twister game using throw rugs or hand towels on the floor.
Tip of the Day 3
Start small. This week, provide a healthy after-school snack like an apple instead of one high in sugar or fat.
Tip of the Day 9
Play “Simon Says.” Let your kids tell you what to do.