Go Take a Hike

Kristin Taylor — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:08:12 +0000

Early fall is a great time for hiking. Hiking can offer hours of enjoyment, a lifetime of personal fitness, and is a great stress reliever. If it is a family hike, stronger bodies and wonderful memories can be a joint outcome. Don’t forget when choosing a trail to keep in mind the ages and abilities of the family members who will be taking part. Length of the hike and type of terrain are important to consider. Remember hats, sunglasses, and safe drinking water. Use a sunscreen and follow directions for reapplying. Sturdy, well-fitting shoes keep feet happy and injury-free. Don’t forget to include healthy trail snacks to provide fuel to keep everyone going strong. Enjoy!

Keeping Active When It Is Cold Outside

Kristin Taylor — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:30:03 +0000

Being physically active can sometimes be a challenge when it is cold outside. However, children still need 60 minutes or more and adults need 30 minutes or more daily of moderate physical activity. Here are some tips to keep you and your family active when it is cold outside.

Dress in layers and head outside for a family walk.
Go sledding.
Build a snowman.
Try cross-country skiing.
Turn on the music and dance!
Check with your local park and recreation centers for organized indoor sports such as basketball. They often have leagues for both children and adults.
Choose an exergaming video game like Wii® Fit or Dance Dance Revolution
Go to an indoor pool and swim laps.
Check with the local school to see if it offers open gym in the evenings or on the weekends when community members can play basketball, walk, or participate in other active games.
Limit TV and computer sedentary time to two hours or less daily.

For more information on children and physical activity, read the Pyramids of Health—Raising Healthy Kids publication found at https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=5541

Words on Wellness » outdoors

Go Take a Hike

Keeping Active When It Is Cold Outside