How much daily physical activity is recommended?

Toddlers need at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity and 60 minutes of non-structured physical activity; preschoolers need a daily minimum of 60 minutes of structured physical activity and 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity.

What are some motor skill categories to consider? Locomotion (running, hopping, skipping, jumping, and pedaling), non-locomotion (bending, stretching, and balancing), and manipulative (catching, throwing, rolling, and kicking)

What are some activities for children or different ages? Children from 8-18 months may sit, throw, climb stairs, and walk. Two-year-olds can throw and kick balls, jump, run, climb, and stand on tiptoes. Three-year-olds can stand on one foot, march, catch a ball, pedal, walk on their tiptoes, and jump forward. Four-year-olds can run on their tiptoes, gallop, skip, hop on one foot, and throw a ball overhand.

Safety First: Safe Outdoor Fitness

What are some general safety considerations? Location, equipment, supervision, weather, and attire.

What are clothing safety recommendations? Comfortable clothing, closed shoes, layers that can be removed as children get warm, avoid drawstrings on clothing, necklaces, hoop earrings, or other accessories that could catch on equipment.

Is it okay to play during very hot or cold weather? Children not play outdoors when the wind chill is below 15 degrees Fahrenheit or if the heat index is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Where can I find information about playground safety? The National Program for Playground Safety, or the CPSC Public Playground Safety Guidelines.

Nutrition Action: Building Healthy Eating Habits

How can I help children avoid overeating? Teach about “tummy talk” (growls), serve small but frequent meals, teach children to chew food and eat slowly, do not allow constant “grazing” throughout the day.

Should I make children eat everything before dessert? Serve all foods at the same time, including sweeter foods such as fruits. Allow children to decide what to eat first and how much.

What if a child will not eat a certain food? Introduce a new food several times and in different ways. It may take up to18 times before a child truly decides whether he likes or dislikes a food.

How often should young children eat? Infants should be fed on demand. Toddlers and preschoolers should eat small but frequent meals/snacks (about every 2 1/2-3 hrs).

Medicine Chest: Healthy Weight for Young Children

What causes overweight problems for children? Usually, a lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits.

What are some potential health effects of excess weight? Impaired immune system, sleep apnea, poor tooth development, inadequate social/emotional development.

How do doctors determine if a child is overweight? Growth charts are typically used to compare height and weight ratios with others in the same age group. The body mass index (BMI) is also useful.

How can caregivers help children to develop healthy habits? Model appropriate behaviors, such as eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, limiting portion sizes, and participating in physical activities.

Health & You: Help Yourself to Whole Grains

What are some potential health benefits of eating whole grains? As an excellent source of fiber, whole grains may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, and irritable bowel syndrome, and help maintain a healthy body weight.

What are whole grains? Whole grains are the entire seed of a plant.

How can I know if a food is whole grain? Look at the label for the statement “whole grain” or “100% whole grain,” or the Whole Grain Stamp.