By: Kay Sisk, Dietetic Intern and Graduate Student, Case Western Reserve University   Date: 5/2/11

Yesterday, as we flipped the calendar to May, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) kicked off National Physical Education and Sport Week in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

This week, more than 3 million students are expected to participate in this national initiative to increase physical activity before, during and after school.  This year’s theme, Let’s Move in School, encourages parents, teachers, school administrators and policy makers to increase physical activity and bring quality physical education to schools through a comprehensive physical activity program.  It also supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign.

Students will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of physical activities designed specifically for each age group.  One fun activity is theLet’s Move! Flash Workout featuring Beyoncé.  You can also find a menu of activities from NASPE that kids and families can participate in this month.

Importance of Physical Activity
According to Healthy People 2020, there are many benefits of increasing physical activity in children.  Physical activity can improve bone health, improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, decrease body fat in kids, and much more.  TheNational Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans suggest that children and adolescents should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day.  Unfortunately, research has shown that only 1 in 3 high school students meet this guideline, and only about 68% of elementary schools provide recess each day for students in all grade levels.

How to Increase Physical Activity at Home
Physical activity doesn’t just have to take place in schools.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides some great tips on how kids and families can reach 60 minutes of physical activity each day before and after school:
      Make it a family thing!  Take family walks or play active games together to make physical activity part of your family’s routine.
      Make physical activity fun!  Participate in a team sport like soccer, basketball or baseball.  Participate in individual sports like   running, tennis or swimming.   Do more recreational activities like walking, skating, bicycling, or playground activities.
      Move around after dinner!  Take a walk or ride bikes with friends and family instead of watching TV after dinner.

Get more tips from our Healthy Kids & Families section at FoodInsight.org.

What are your ideas for making your family more active?