Active Children, Active Families brochure — In Language Version

In Language Active Children, Active Families brochure (PDF – 820K)

Front Cover

Active Children, Active Families. A Helpful Guide for Asian American Parents and Caregivers.

Introduction

There is no question that physical activity is good for children. Just consider the evidence. Physical activity strengthens muscles, bones and joints. It gives children the opportunity to gain self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of well-being. It can reduce stress and anxiety levels. It also can prevent disease and may even improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. After-school programs offer children fun alternatives to risky behaviors.

Do you know what your children are doing after school?

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Inside Panels

Challenge

A lack of physical activity

Solution

Make physical activity fun and challenging

• Encourage children to participate in 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity every day.
• Investigate whether your school and community center have activities, such as basketball and soccer for youth.
• Search for activities to do “around the house” like shooting hoops, dancing, hiking, playing catch or kickball, or riding bicycles.
• Use the seasons to inspire outdoor activities, like skiing and snowboarding in winter, and swimming in the summer.

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Challenge

The community or school lacks resources

Solution

Become an advocate

• Talk to teachers and administrators & ask them to support daily physical education and other school programs that promote physical activity.
• Make sure your children are provided with at least 20 minutes of recess during school each day.

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Challenge

TV and computer screens compete for time

Solution

Offer educational alternatives

• Limit TV time to 1 or 2 hours per day.
• Remove TV sets from children’s bedrooms and encourage them to spend time with different media, such as dancing to music.
• Lead by example to limit “screen time” and encourage participation in physical activities.

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Challenge

Limited time and resources

Solution

Find activities that don't need expensive equipment or lessons

• Help your children make a map of free and low-cost physical activity areas near your home—like parks, bike trails, tennis courts, and etc.
• Talk with school administration about the importance of daily recess in addition to physical education classes.
• Household chores like walking the dog or washing the car include physical activity, so encourage the children to tackle them while making it fun and rewarding.

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Back Cover

Visit

• www.cdc.gov/verb for information about the campaign.
   
• www.americanheart.org* to get tips for raising heart-healthy, active children.
   
• www.shapeup.org* for information about healthy weight management through better nutrition and increased physical activity.

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* Links to non-Federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. Links do not constitute an endorsement of any organization by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.